Implementation of a Power Down Initiative in 34 Operating Rooms

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Operations
• Environmental Sustainability in Medicine
• Quality Improvement in Anesthesiology

Background:

• Operating rooms (ORs) are energy-intensive environments, contributing significantly to institutional carbon footprints.
• ORs remain unoccupied for approximately 40% of the time, representing substantial energy waste.
• Reducing energy consumption in ORs can lead to decreased equipment failure and lower operational costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a quality improvement initiative focused on powering down electrical equipment in ORs.
• To assess the impact of a "power down" initiative on energy conservation and staff compliance.
• To quantify the potential financial and environmental benefits of reducing OR energy consumption.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement project was designed to guide anesthesia staff in powering down specific equipment (anesthesia gas machines, patient monitors, auxiliary oxygen, room lights) in unoccupied ORs.
• Convenience audits were performed to monitor compliance with the power down initiative.
• Pre- and post-implementation data were collected to evaluate changes in equipment shutdown practices.

Main Results:

• Compliance with powering down anesthesia gas machines, patient monitors, auxiliary oxygen, and room lights increased post-implementation.
• The initiative demonstrated a potential annual saving of approximately $50,000 for the facility.
• A reduction of over 80 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year is achievable through this practice.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a power down initiative for anesthesia staff in ORs is an effective quality improvement strategy.
• This initiative offers significant potential for both fiscal savings and environmental conservation.
• The model can be replicated in other healthcare facilities seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and operational expenses.