Optimizing Pediatric Surgical Kits: A Cost-Effective Approach to Reducing Environmental Impact in Healthcare

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Sustainability
• Environmental Science
• Operations Management

Background:

• Operating rooms generate significant waste and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, largely due to single-use items in prefabricated surgical kits.
• This study investigates the environmental and economic impacts of optimizing surgical kits within a pediatric hospital setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the environmental and economic benefits of streamlining surgical kits in a children's hospital.
• To quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and cost savings associated with optimized surgical kits.

Main Methods:

• Life cycle assessment (LCA) was employed to evaluate the cradle-to-grave environmental impact of surgical kits.
• Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were modeled using the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation (GREET) model and openLCA software.
• Stakeholder consultations informed the identification of items for removal to minimize waste while ensuring clinical needs were met. Cost savings were determined using medical supplier data.

Main Results:

• Optimizing three pediatric surgical kits led to annual cost savings of $8,608 and a reduction of 30,654 g of GHG emissions across 2,676 cases.
• GHG reductions per pack ranged from 6.9 g to 13.0 g.
• Projected GHG reductions for all surgical service lines (26,000 cases) could range from 179,400 g to 338,000 g, equivalent to significant mileage.

Conclusions:

• Streamlining pediatric surgical kits presents a scalable and cost-effective strategy for reducing the environmental footprint of operating rooms.
• Life cycle assessment (LCA) offers a robust framework for healthcare sustainability assessments and informed decision-making.
• Implementing these optimizations enhances resource efficiency within healthcare settings.