Readiness for climate change mitigation among anesthesiologists : A before and after study at three German university...

Medical societies around the world are exploring strategies to reduce their carbon footprint. In this context, organizational readiness can serve as an important facilitator for the success of change. In this study we assessed whether a series of educational interventions improved anesthesia departments' organizational readiness for climate change mitigation.

Anesthesiologists at three German university hospitals were asked to complete a survey on their departments' organizational readiness for climate change mitigation before and after an educational intervention bundle featuring lectures, posters and stickers was conducted. The second survey included additional questions about the use of climate-friendly low-flow and minimal-flow techniques.

A total of 422 questionnaires were completed, 256 of them prior to the interventions. Most participants noticed the interventions and mostly rated them as "good" or "rather good". We found high overall levels of organizational readiness. Agreement to statements in the subcategories of cultural and staff readiness increased from a low baseline level. Participants reported an increased use of minimal-flow techniques (51.6% vs. 66.3% endotracheal tube) and of low-flow techniques (41.0% vs. 57.8% laryngeal mask) during inhalational anesthesia.

Following our educational intervention bundle, organizational readiness at the participating institutions increased and a reduction in consumption of volatile anesthetics was reported. Pending proof of causality, these results encourage further exploration and the application of educational interventions on climate change mitigation in anesthesiology.