How Can Non-Hospital Surgical Centres Improve Their Environmental Footprint (and Reduce Costs)?

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Healthcare Sustainability
• Surgical Practices

Background:

• The healthcare sector significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, with operating rooms (ORs) being major waste generators.
• Non-hospital surgical centres represent an opportunity to analyze and improve environmental practices within healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess current green practices in British Columbia's non-hospital surgical centres.
• To evaluate attitudes towards environmental sustainability and identify barriers to implementing greener practices in these centres.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to all accredited non-hospital surgical centres in British Columbia.
• The survey collected data on current environmental practices, willingness to adapt, knowledge gaps, and implementation barriers.

Main Results:

• 18 out of 56 contacted centres responded, with 89% expressing willingness to adopt sustainable practices.
• Significant use of high global warming potential anesthetic gases (64%) and disposables (drapes/gowns 78%/67%) was reported.
• Barriers identified include cost (44%), infrastructure (44%), regulatory guidelines (39%), knowledge (39%), and safety (28%).

Conclusions:

• Transitioning to sustainable OR practices can reduce healthcare costs and emissions, with anesthetic gas choice and reusable linens being impactful.
• Education and regulatory support are crucial for overcoming identified barriers.
• There is a need for education, clear guidelines, and economically viable options to move from awareness to action in sustainable surgical practices.