Implementing Sustainable Practices in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory: Results from a Year-Long Waste...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Sustainability
• Environmental Science
• Waste Management

Background:

• Cardiac catheterization laboratories (CCLs) are significant contributors to hospital waste and environmental impact.
• Comprehensive waste reduction strategies specifically for CCLs are currently limited.
• Growing emphasis on sustainability in healthcare necessitates targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a quality improvement initiative aimed at reducing waste output in a high-volume CCL.
• To assess the impact of the initiative on enhancing recycling practices within the CCL.
• To quantify waste reduction and carbon footprint changes over a one-year period.

Main Methods:

• A one-year study was conducted in a single-center CCL performing approximately 2,800 procedures annually.
• Interventions included staff education, waste tracking, improved waste segregation, and the formation of a dedicated sustainability team.
• Waste outputs were measured at baseline and at one month, three months, and one year post-intervention, with carbon footprint calculations.

Main Results:

• Infectious waste decreased by 35.4% (2.38 to 1.54 kg/procedure) and general waste by 26.4% (0.83 to 0.61 kg/procedure).
• Recyclable paper increased by 55.5% (0.30 to 0.47 kg/procedure).
• An estimated annual carbon footprint reduction of 1,084.2 kg carbon dioxide equivalent was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Sustainability initiatives are effective in significantly reducing waste and carbon emissions in CCLs.
• The study demonstrates a practical framework for implementing environmental sustainability in high-volume CCLs.
• Promoting recycling alongside waste reduction is crucial for improving environmental performance in cardiac catheterization settings.