Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2025
Author Spotlight: Microbial Control and Monitoring Strategies for Cleanroom Environments and Cellular Therapies
Published on: March 17, 2023
Segregation and Recycling in the Operating Room. An Intervention to Accelerate the Decarbonisation Process in the
Barbara Carmona-Pomada1, Laura Diaz-Co1, Hamid Azaroual El Bachiri1
1Hospital Universitari Mútua Terrassa, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain.
Aim:
To evaluate the impact of a multilevel intervention in a surgical department on the segregation of non-hazardous healthcare waste (plastic and paper) during the perioperative period as well as its effect on the carbon footprint of the healthcare organisation.
Methods:
A prospective before-after interventional study without a control group was carried out in the operating room of the Universitary Hospital Mútua Terrassa in Catalonia (Spain). A multilevel programme to improve the segregation process during the surgical interventions was implemented in several phases from May 2023 to December 2024. Data collection was conducted in each phase of the study through questionnaires addressed to the professionals along with calculations of the carbon footprint and the volume of waste segregation. The study is framed within the socio-ecological model and employs a collaborative design. The study population included all professionals working in the operating room (n = 320).
Results:
A multidisciplinary team was formed with consideration for all stakeholders. The project phases were implemented consecutively. A total of 141 professionals (44.4%) completed the baseline questionnaire. As a result of the project's development, the carbon footprint has been reduced to 79.1 kg CO2 eq/week, representing an 85% reduction in emissions.
Conclusion:
The implementation of the recycling project has led to significant reductions in the amount of waste generated and it has been positively evaluated by the professionals. The benefits of fostering a behavioural change among the professionals, coupled with the implementation of a well-designed segregation and recycling system, lead to significant benefits for the institution in carbon footprint.
Implications For The Profession And/Or Patient Care:
Nurses can lead this type of project with a clear impact on both the institution and the environment.
Impact:
Reduction of the carbon footprint in the operating room increased satisfaction among professionals for contributing to environmental improvement.
Reporting Method:
The reporting of intervention evaluation studies using nonrandomized designs: the TREND statement Des Jarlais et al. (2004) was used to evaluate the quality of the study.
Patient Or Public Contribution:
N/A. Only professionals are involved in this study.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:30Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:10PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing
01:28Asepsis
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...