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Asamoto S, Sawada H, Muto J, Arai T, Kawamata T. Green Hospital as a new Standard in Japan: How far can Neurosurgery go in Japan? World Neurosurg 2024; 187:150-155. [PMID: 38649025 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.04.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change is a significant challenge that the medical community must address. Hospitals are large facilities with high water and energy consumption, as well as high levels of waste generation, which makes it important to pursue green hospital initiatives. Neurosurgery requires substantial energy for surgeries and tests. METHODS Based on the keywords "Climate change," "green hospital," "neurosurgery," "energy consumption," "environmental impact" listed in this paper, we extracted representative manuscripts, and the practices employed in the authors' hospital were assessed. RESULTS The "Guidelines for Environmental Consideration in Hospitals" and "Guidelines for the Sustainability of Hospital Environments" have been developed; however, they are not implemented in most hospitals in Japan. Inhalational anesthetics were found to contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Educating patients and staff and employing the "8 Rs" (rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, research, renovation, and revolution) showed promise in achieving green hospital standards. CONCLUSIONS The advent of 'green hospitals' in Japan is imminent. The active participation of neurosurgeons can play a crucial role in diminishing the environmental footprint of health care while simultaneously enhancing medical standards. Given the pressing challenges posed by climate change, there is a critical need for an overhaul of medical practices. It is imperative for neurosurgeons to pioneer the adoption of new, sustainable medical methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunji Asamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Makita General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Sustainability Director, Green Sports Alliance, Tokyo, Japan; Executive Director, Green Sports Alliance, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Haruki Sawada
- Executive Director, Green Sports Alliance, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Muto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake City, Japan
| | - Takashi Arai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takakazu Kawamata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Barker NDJ, Tukkers C, Nelissen RGHH. What's Important (Arts and Humanities): Shouldn't Our GOAL! Be to Find a Better Way? J Bone Joint Surg Am 2024; 106:639-642. [PMID: 38127839 PMCID: PMC10980174 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.23.00828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
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Mezger NCS, Eickel F, Lorenz R, Griesel M. [Sustainability in private surgical practice-A narrative review]. COLOPROCTOLOGY 2023; 45:1-10. [PMID: 37362611 PMCID: PMC10158674 DOI: 10.1007/s00053-023-00711-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Surgery is contributing to the climate crisis, not least in the outpatient sector. The present publication aims to identify the challenges this poses, and to provide clear, preferably evidence-based recommendations on environmental protection while simultaneously reducing costs. Method Narrative review with a non-systematic search and selection in PubMed/MEDLINE and grey area literature as well as expert interviews. Results Numerous primary articles, evidence syntheses, practical recommendations for action and checklists were identified and two experts were interviewed. Environmental issues were identified in the production and procurement, transport of people and goods, usage of materials, pharmaceuticals including anesthetic gases and energy consumption in the outpatient practice and also in disposal, recycling, and sterilization. High-quality publications do not describe a lack of knowledge on alternatives but on a lack of implementation in clinical practice. Therefore, the identified issues were classified in the 5‑R scheme (reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink, research) to present recommendations for action, which are synergetic in terms of cost reduction, patient and staff satisfaction. Furthermore, changes in regulatory frameworks are discussed. Conclusion Outpatient surgery comes with relevant consumption of resources and carbon emissions. There are numerous opportunities for action that combine environmental protection with cost reduction as well as patient and staff satisfaction. Incentives, guidelines, and legal framework conditions are needed for comprehensive environmental protection in the private sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Christian Simon Mezger
- Institut für Medizinische Epidemiologie, Biometrie und Informatik, Martin-Luther Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Deutschland
- Global and Public Health Department, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Schweden
- Centre for Planetary Health Policy (CPHP), c/o KLUG – Deutsche Allianz Klimawandel und Gesundheit e. V., Cuvrystr. 1, 10997 Berlin, Deutschland
| | | | | | - Mirko Griesel
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivtherapie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland
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Kolbe-Busch S, Chaberny IF. [Resource conservation from the perspective of infection prevention]. CHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 94:220-229. [PMID: 36592189 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-022-01784-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Procedures to prevent surgical site infections require a high input of human, technical and natural resources. This paper explores ways to optimize the use of resources in caring for patients who undergo a surgical procedure without compromising patient safety. METHODS Review of the contribution of selected procedures for infection prevention in surgical patients considering current evidence and recommendations by comparing current guidelines and results of clinical trials. Analysis of interventions to implement and increase compliance. RESULTS Knowledge of current evidence-based recommendations enables not only the identification of procedures with proven effect on infection prevention but also those that are ineffective and thus dispensable. There is still need for further controlled studies, e.g. on the use of antiseptics, that can confirm the evidence level of preventive procedures. Infection surveillance in combination with process and compliance monitoring by infection prevention specialists with a feedback system to healthcare workers are suitable control instruments for infection control management. In the case of increased infection rates, the implementation of evidence-based recommended measures through tailored bundle interventions is successful. Technical measures to maintain environmental conditions must be included in the control process. CONCLUSION The reduction of healthcare-associated infections by implementing tailored interventions of infection prevention measures and elimination of ineffective procedures conserves resources and promotes patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Kolbe-Busch
- Institut für Hygiene, Krankenhaushygiene und Umweltmedizin, Zentrum für Infektionsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Liebigstr. 22, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland.
| | - Iris F Chaberny
- Institut für Hygiene, Krankenhaushygiene und Umweltmedizin, Zentrum für Infektionsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Liebigstr. 22, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland
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Mezger NCS, Eickel F, Lorenz R, Griesel M. [Sustainability in private surgical practice-A narrative review]. CHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 94:199-209. [PMID: 36602565 PMCID: PMC9813892 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-022-01785-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgery is contributing to the climate crisis, not least in the outpatient sector. The present publication aims to identify the challenges this poses, and to provide clear, preferably evidence-based recommendations on environmental protection while simultaneously reducing costs. METHOD Narrative review with a non-systematic search and selection in PubMed/MEDLINE and grey area literature as well as expert interviews. RESULTS Numerous primary articles, evidence syntheses, practical recommendations for action and checklists were identified and two experts were interviewed. Environmental issues were identified in the production and procurement, transport of people and goods, usage of materials, pharmaceuticals including anesthetic gases and energy consumption in the outpatient practice and also in disposal, recycling, and sterilization. High-quality publications do not describe a lack of knowledge on alternatives but on a lack of implementation in clinical practice. Therefore, the identified issues were classified in the 5‑R scheme (reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink, research) to present recommendations for action, which are synergetic in terms of cost reduction, patient and staff satisfaction. Furthermore, changes in regulatory frameworks are discussed. CONCLUSION Outpatient surgery comes with relevant consumption of resources and carbon emissions. There are numerous opportunities for action that combine environmental protection with cost reduction as well as patient and staff satisfaction. Incentives, guidelines, and legal framework conditions are needed for comprehensive environmental protection in the private sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Christian Simon Mezger
- Institut für Medizinische Epidemiologie, Biometrie und Informatik, Martin-Luther Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Deutschland. .,Global and Public Health Department, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Deutschland. .,Centre for Planetary Health Policy (CPHP), c/o KLUG - Deutsche Allianz Klimawandel und Gesundheit e. V., Cuvrystr. 1, 10997, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | | | | | - Mirko Griesel
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivtherapie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland
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Lattanzio S, Stefanizzi P, D’ambrosio M, Cuscianna E, Riformato G, Migliore G, Tafuri S, Bianchi FP. Waste Management and the Perspective of a Green Hospital-A Systematic Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192315812. [PMID: 36497884 PMCID: PMC9738387 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The concept of a "green hospital" is used in reference to a hospital that includes the environment as part of its quality services and one that pays attention to the sustainable design of buildings. Waste disposal represents a potential risk for the environment; therefore, waste collection from healthcare centers is a key environmental issue. Our study aims to systematically review the experiences acquired in worldwide nosocomial settings related to the management of healthcare waste. Nineteen studies, selected between January 2020 and April 2022 on Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science databases were included in our systematic narrative review. Operating room and hemodialysis activities seem to be the procedures most associated with waste production. To deal with waste production, the 5Rs rule (reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink and research) was a common suggested strategy to derive the maximum practical benefit while generating the minimum amount of waste. In this context, the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down the greening process of nosocomial environments. Waste management requires a multifactorial approach to deal with medical waste management, even considering the climate change that the world is experiencing. Education of health personnel and managers, regulation by governmental institutions, creation of an "environmental greening team", and awareness of stakeholders and policymakers are some of the measures needed for the greening of healthcare facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Lattanzio
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione e Rigenerativa e Area Jonica, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Marilena D’ambrosio
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione e Rigenerativa e Area Jonica, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Eustachio Cuscianna
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giacomo Riformato
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Silvio Tafuri
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-80-5478473; Fax: +39-80-5478472
| | - Francesco Paolo Bianchi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Bari Policlinico University Hospital, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Chancen und Risiken durch Digitalisierung in Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie. KNIE JOURNAL 2022. [PMCID: PMC9589565 DOI: 10.1007/s43205-022-00178-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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