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MacNeill AJ, Rizan C, Sherman JD. Improving sustainability and mitigating the environmental impacts of anaesthesia and surgery: a narrative review. Br J Anaesth 2024:S0007-0912(24)00403-3. [PMID: 39237397 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2024.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss are adversely affecting human health and exacerbating existing inequities, intensifying pressures on already strained health systems. Paradoxically, healthcare is a high-polluting industry, responsible for 4.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions and a similar proportion of air pollutants. Perioperative services are among the most resource-intensive healthcare services and are responsible for some unique pollutants. Opportunities exist to mitigate pollution throughout the entire continuum of perioperative care, including those that occur upstream of the operating room in the process of patient selection and optimisation, delivery of anaesthesia and surgery, and the postoperative recovery period. Within a patient-centred, holistic approach, clinicians can advocate for healthy public policies that modify the determinants of surgical illness, can engage in shared decision-making to ensure appropriate clinical decisions, and can be stewards of healthcare resources. Innovation and collaboration are required to redesign clinical care pathways and processes, optimise logistical systems, and address facility emissions. The results will extend beyond the reduction of public health damages from healthcare pollution to the provision of higher value, higher quality, patient-centred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J MacNeill
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chantelle Rizan
- Centre for Sustainable Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jodi D Sherman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Epidemiology in Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
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2
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Doshi S, Vuppula S, Jaggi P. Healthcare Sustainability to Address Climate Change: Call for Action to the Infectious Diseases Community. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2024; 13:306-312. [PMID: 38758197 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piae029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The US healthcare system's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change is disproportionately high and harms the public. Several medical specialties are now reassessing how they can mitigate healthcare's harmful environmental impact. Healthcare sustainability is broadly defined as measures to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and other pollutants generated during the healthcare delivery process. Prior efforts and programs by infectious diseases (ID) professionals, such as antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control can form a framework for ID professionals to help apply this expertise to healthcare environmental sustainability more broadly. This call to action proposes strategies for ID societies and professionals to incorporate climate change education for trainees, increase research and funding opportunities in healthcare sustainability, and calls for action by ID societies to champion system changes to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Doshi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sharon Vuppula
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Preeti Jaggi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Fuschi A, Pastore AL, Al Salhi Y, Martoccia A, De Nunzio C, Tema G, Rera OA, Carbone F, Asimakopoulos AD, Sequi MB, Valenzi FM, Suraci PP, Scalzo S, Del Giudice F, Nardecchia S, Bozzini G, Corsini A, Sciarra A, Carbone A. The impact of radical prostatectomy on global climate: a prospective multicentre study comparing laparoscopic versus robotic surgery. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2024; 27:272-278. [PMID: 37085603 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-023-00672-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 4% of the global greenhouse gas emissions are generated by healthcare system. Focusing on the environmental impact of minimally invasive surgery, we assessed and compared the CO2 emissions between Robot-assisted (RALP) and Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (LRP). METHODS In patients prospectively enrolled, we evaluated the age, surgical and anesthesiologic time, postoperative intensive care unit and hospital stay, blood transfusion, pre- and postoperative hemoglobin and Gleason score, open conversion need, and complications (Clavien-Dindo classification). We assessed the life cycle to estimate the energy consumption for surgical procedures and hospital stays. We reported the materials, CO2 produced, and fluid quantity infused and dispersed. Disposable and reusable materials and instruments were weighed and divided into metal, plastic, and composite fibers. The CO2 consumption for disposal and decontamination was also evaluated. RESULTS Of the 223 patients investigated, 119 and 104 patients underwent RALP and LRP, respectively. The two groups were comparable as regards age and preoperative Gleason score. The laparoscopic and robotic instruments weighed 1733 g and 1737 g, respectively. The CO2 emissions due to instrumentation were higher in the laparoscopic group, with the majority coming from plastic and composite fiber components. The CO2 emissions for metal components were higher in the robotic group. The robot functioned at 3.5 kW/h, producing 4 kg/h of CO2. The laparoscopic column operated at 600 W/h, emitting ~1 kg/h of CO2. The operating room operated at 3,0 kW/h. The operating time was longer in the laparoscopic group, resulting in higher CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions from hospital room energy consumption were lower in the robot-assisted group. The total CO2 emissions were ~47 kg and ~60 kg per procedure in the robot-assisted and laparoscopic groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS RALP generates substantially less CO2 than LRP owing to the use of more reusable surgical supplies, shorter operative time and hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Fuschi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Urology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Antonio Luigi Pastore
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Urology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy.
| | - Yazan Al Salhi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Urology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Alessia Martoccia
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Urology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Cosimo De Nunzio
- Department of Urology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Tema
- Department of Urology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Onofrio Antonio Rera
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Urology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Flavia Carbone
- Uroresearch, Non-profit Association for Research in Urology, Latina, Italy
| | | | - Manfredi Bruno Sequi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Urology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Fabio Maria Valenzi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Urology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Paolo Pietro Suraci
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Urology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Silvio Scalzo
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Urology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Francesco Del Giudice
- Department of Urology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Nardecchia
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Bozzini
- Department of Urology, ASST Lariana-Sant'Anna Hospital, Como, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsini
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sciarra
- Department of Urology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Carbone
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Urology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
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Yang L, Hubert J, Gitundu S, Brovman E, Cobey F. Carbon Footprint of Total Intravenous and Inhalation Anesthesia in the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Procedure. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2024; 38:1314-1321. [PMID: 38490897 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2024.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantify and compare the emissions for deep sedation with total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and general anesthesia with inhaled agents during the transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure. DESIGN A retrospective study. SETTING A tertiary hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. PARTICIPANTS The anesthesia records of 604 consecutive patients who underwent the transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure between January 1, 2018, and March 31, 2022, were reviewed and analyzed. INTERVENTIONS Data were examined and compared in the following 2 groups: general anesthesia with inhaled agents and deep sedation with TIVA. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The gases, drugs, airway management devices, and anesthesia machine electricity were collected and converted into carbon dioxide emissions (CO2e). The carbon emissions of intravenous medications were converted with the CO2e data for anesthetic pharmaceuticals from the Parvatker et al. study. For inhaled agents, inhaled anesthetics and oxygen/air flow rate were collected at 15-minute intervals and calculated using the anesthetic gases calculator provided by the Association of Anesthetists. The airway management devices were converted based on life-cycle assessments. The electricity consumed by the anesthesia machine during general anesthesia was estimated from the manufacturer's data (Dräger, GE) and local Energy Information Administration data. The data were analyzed in the chi-squared test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. There were no significant differences in the patients' demographic characteristics, such as age, sex, weight, height, and body mass index. The patients who received general anesthesia with inhaled agents had statistically higher total CO2e per case than deep sedation with TIVA (16.188 v 1.518 kg CO2e; p < 0.001), primarily due to the inhaled agents and secondarily to airway management devices. For deep sedation with TIVA, the major contributors were intravenous medications (71.02%) and airway management devices (16.58%). A subgroup study of patients who received sevoflurane only showed the same trend with less variation. CONCLUSIONS The patients who received volatile anesthesia were found to have a higher CO2e per case. This difference remained after a subgroup analysis evaluating those patients only receiving sevoflurane and after accounting for the differences in the duration of anesthesia. Data from this study and others should be collectively considered as the healthcare profession aims to provide the best care possible for their patients while limiting the harm caused to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA.
| | - Joshua Hubert
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Samwel Gitundu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Ethan Brovman
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Frederick Cobey
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
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Cohen ES, Kouwenberg LHJA, Moody KS, Sperna Weiland NH, Kringos DS, Timmermans A, Hehenkamp WJK. Environmental sustainability in obstetrics and gynaecology: A systematic review. BJOG 2024; 131:555-567. [PMID: 37604701 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17637] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The healthcare sector is responsible for 4%-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Considering the broad range of care that obstetricians and gynaecologists provide, mitigation strategies within this specialty could result in significant reductions of the environmental footprint across the whole healthcare industry. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review was to identify for what services, procedures and products within obstetric and gynaecological care the environmental impact has been studied, to assess the magnitude of such impact and to identify mitigation strategies to diminish it. SEARCH STRATEGY The search strategy combined terms related to environmental impact, sustainability, climate change or carbon footprint, with the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. SELECTION CRITERIA Articles reporting on the environmental impact of any service, procedure or product within the field of obstetrics and gynaecology were included. Included outcomes covered midpoint impact categories, CO2 emissions, waste generation and energy consumption. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases of MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid) and Scopus, and a grey literature search was performed on Google Scholar and two websites of gynaecological associations. MAIN RESULTS The scope of the investigated studies encompassed vaginal births, obstetric and gynaecological surgical procedures, menstrual products, vaginal specula and transportation to gynaecological oncologic consultations. Among the highest yielding mitigation strategies were displacing disposable with reusable materials and minimising content of surgical custom packs. The lowest yielding mitigation strategy was waste optimisation, including recycling. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review highlights opportunities for obstetricians and gynaecologists to decrease their environmental footprint in many ways. More high-quality studies are needed to investigate the environmental impact of other aspects of women's and reproductive health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sayone Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Global Health, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lisanne H J A Kouwenberg
- Quality of Care, Global Health, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kate S Moody
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas H Sperna Weiland
- Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dionne Sofia Kringos
- Quality of Care, Global Health, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Timmermans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter J K Hehenkamp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Rouvière N, Pitard M, Boutry E, Prudhomme M, Bertrand M, Leguelinel-Blache G, Chasseigne V. How a hospital pharmacist can contribute to a more sustainable operating theater. J Visc Surg 2024; 161:37-45. [PMID: 38092591 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2023.11.004] [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] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Healthcare sectors, particularly operating theaters, are major consumers of resources. Given today's climate-related issues, its seems vital that the different healthcare professionals in operating areas become aware of their roles. This is pronouncedly the case for hospital pharmacists, who fulfill cross-sectional functions in the proper use and management of healthcare products and sterile medical devices. The objective of this review of the literature is to identify the actions a hospital pharmacist can take to impel evolution toward ecologically responsible care in the operating theater. Seven areas in which a pharmacist can assume a leading, supporting or composite role in rendering an operating theater ecologically responsible have been highlighted: purchasing, procurement and storage, harmonization of practices, modification of practices, professional attire, waste elimination and research/teaching. The active participation of all healthcare professionals, including the hospital pharmacist, is essential to the development of a sustainable approach to healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninon Rouvière
- Pharmacy department, Nîmes University Hospital Center, Montpellier University, place du Professeur-Robert-Debré, 30029 Nîmes cedex 9, France
| | - Maria Pitard
- Pharmacy department, Nîmes University Hospital Center, Montpellier University, place du Professeur-Robert-Debré, 30029 Nîmes cedex 9, France
| | - Etienne Boutry
- Digestive Surgery Department, Nîmes University Hospital Center, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
| | - Michel Prudhomme
- Digestive Surgery Department, Nîmes University Hospital Center, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
| | - Martin Bertrand
- Digestive Surgery Department, Nîmes University Hospital Center, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
| | - Géraldine Leguelinel-Blache
- Pharmacy department, Nîmes University Hospital Center, Montpellier University, place du Professeur-Robert-Debré, 30029 Nîmes cedex 9, France; Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Inserm, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Virginie Chasseigne
- Pharmacy department, Nîmes University Hospital Center, Montpellier University, place du Professeur-Robert-Debré, 30029 Nîmes cedex 9, France; Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Inserm, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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Gonzalez-Pizarro P, Brazzi L, Koch S, Trinks A, Muret J, Sperna Weiland N, Jovanovic G, Cortegiani A, Fernandes TD, Kranke P, Malisiova A, McConnell P, Misquita L, Romero CS, Bilotta F, De Robertis E, Buhre W. European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care consensus document on sustainability: 4 scopes to achieve a more sustainable practice. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2024; 41:260-277. [PMID: 38235604 DOI: 10.1097/eja.0000000000001942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is a defining issue for our generation. The carbon footprint of clinical practice accounts for 4.7% of European greenhouse gas emissions, with the European Union ranking as the third largest contributor to the global healthcare industry's carbon footprint, after the United States and China. Recognising the importance of urgent action, the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) adopted the Glasgow Declaration on Environmental Sustainability in June 2023. Building on this initiative, the ESAIC Sustainability Committee now presents a consensus document in perioperative sustainability. Acknowledging wider dimensions of sustainability, beyond the environmental one, the document recognizes healthcare professionals as cornerstones for sustainable care, and puts forward recommendations in four main areas: direct emissions, energy, supply chain and waste management, and psychological and self-care of healthcare professionals. Given the urgent need to cut global carbon emissions, and the scarcity of evidence-based literature on perioperative sustainability, our methodology is based on expert opinion recommendations. A total of 90 recommendations were drafted by 13 sustainability experts in anaesthesia in March 2023, then validated by 36 experts from 24 different countries in a two-step Delphi validation process in May and June 2023. To accommodate different possibilities for action in high- versus middle-income countries, an 80% agreement threshold was set to ease implementation of the recommendations Europe-wide. All recommendations surpassed the 80% agreement threshold in the first Delphi round, and 88 recommendations achieved an agreement >90% in the second round. Recommendations include the use of very low fresh gas flow, choice of anaesthetic drug, energy and water preserving measures, "5R" policies including choice of plastics and their disposal, and recommendations to keep a healthy work environment or on the importance of fatigue in clinical practice. Executive summaries of recommendations in areas 1, 2 and 3 are available as cognitive aids that can be made available for quick reference in the operating room.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio Gonzalez-Pizarro
- From the Department of Paediatric Anaesthesia and Critical Care. La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain (PGP), the Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, 'Citta' della Salute e della Scienza' University Hospital, Department of Surgical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (LB), the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) Odense, Department of Anesthesia, Hospital of Nykobing Falster, Denmark (SK), the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, and Campus Virchow Klinikum (SK), the Department of Anaesthesiology. LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany (AT), the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care. Institute Curie & PSL Research University, Paris, France (JM), the Department of Anaesthesiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (NSW), the Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperatve Medicine. Medical Faculty, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia (GJ), the Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Science, University of Palermo, Italy. Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, University Hospital Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, Palermo, Italy (AC), the Department of Anaesthesiology, Hospital Pedro Hispano, Matosinhos, Portugal (TDF), the Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany (PK), the Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain. P&A Kyriakou Children's Hospital Athens Greece (AM), Royal Alexandra Hospital. Paisley, Scotland, United Kingdom (PM), Department of Neuro-anaesthesia and Neurocritical Care, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, England, United Kingdom (LM), the Department of Anesthesia, Critical care and Pain Unit, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia. Research Methods Department, European University of Valencia, Spain (CR), the "Sapienza" University of Rome, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Rome, Italy (FB), the Division of Anaesthesia, Analgesia, and Intensive Care - Department of Medicine and Surgery - University of Perugia Ospedale S. Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy (EDR), the Division of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Department of Anaesthesiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (WB)
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8
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Tsay EL, Sabharwal S. Reuse of Orthopaedic Equipment: Barriers and Opportunities. JBJS Rev 2024; 12:01874474-202403000-00005. [PMID: 38466800 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.23.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
» Reuse of orthopaedic equipment is one of many potential ways to minimize the negative impact of used equipment on the environment, rising healthcare costs and disparities in access to surgical care.» Barriers to widespread adoption of reuse include concerns for patient safety, exposure to unknown liability risks, negative public perceptions, and logistical barriers such as limited availability of infrastructure and quality control metrics.» Some low- and middle-income countries have existing models of equipment reuse that can be adapted through reverse innovation to high-income countries such as the United States.» Further research should be conducted to examine the safety and efficacy of reusing various orthopaedic equipment, so that standardized guidelines for reuse can be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen L Tsay
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Sanjeev Sabharwal
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California
- Institute of Global Orthopaedics and Traumatology, San Francisco, California
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9
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Thakrar J, Patel A, Joseph J. UK national survey on surgical gowning for tonsillectomy. J Laryngol Otol 2024:1-4. [PMID: 38563203 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215124000331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tonsillectomy is a common procedure performed nationally. The personal protective equipment and surgical gowning practices used during this procedure vary widely. We compiled a survey of ENT specialists to gain a national opinion about gowning in tonsillectomy with the aim of determining whether we could make it more environmentally friendly whilst maintaining the highest safety standards. METHOD We developed a nine-question survey that was piloted prior to final implementation. The questionnaire was sent to senior registrars and consultant otolaryngologists in the UK. RESULTS The survey was completed by a total of 63 ENT specialists. It was found that 82.54 per cent of clinicians would consider wearing a reusable gown that would be sterilised between each procedure. CONCLUSION Our survey suggests most ENT clinicians would consider using a more environmentally friendly surgical gown and some may even consider wearing no gown at all, although many are understandably concerned about the transmission of infection or blood splatter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai Thakrar
- School of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ankit Patel
- ENT Department, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Joseph
- ENT Department, University College London Hospital, London, UK
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10
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Carrandi A, Nguyen C, Tse WC, Taylor C, McGain F, Thompson K, Hensher M, McAlister S, Higgins AM. How environmental impact is considered in economic evaluations of critical care: a scoping review. Intensive Care Med 2024; 50:36-45. [PMID: 38191675 PMCID: PMC10810918 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-023-07274-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Health care is a major contributor to climate change, and critical care is one of the sector's highest carbon emitters. Health economic evaluations form an important component of critical care and may be useful in identifying economically efficient and environmentally sustainable strategies. The purpose of this scoping review was to synthesise available literature on whether and how environmental impact is considered in health economic evaluations of critical care. METHODS A robust scoping review methodology was used to identify studies reporting on environmental impact in health economic evaluations of critical care. We searched six academic databases to locate health economic evaluations, costing studies and life cycle assessments of critical care from 1993 to present. RESULTS Four studies met the review's inclusion criteria. Of the 278 health economic evaluations of critical care identified, none incorporated environmental impact into their assessments. Most included studies (n = 3/4) were life cycle assessments, and the remaining study was a prospective observational study. Life cycle assessments used a combination of process-based data collection and modelling to incorporate environmental impact into their economic assessments. CONCLUSIONS Health economic evaluations of critical care have not yet incorporated environmental impact into their assessments, and few life cycle assessments exist that are specific to critical care therapies and treatments. Guidelines and standardisation regarding environmental data collection and reporting in health care are needed to support further research in the field. In the meantime, those planning health economic evaluations should include a process-based life cycle assessment to establish key environmental impacts specific to critical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alayna Carrandi
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Level 3, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Christina Nguyen
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Level 3, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- School of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wai Chung Tse
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Level 3, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- School of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Colman Taylor
- Faculty of Medicine, Critical Care Division, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Forbes McGain
- Department of Critical Care, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anaesthesia, Western Health, Footscray, VIC, Australia
- Department of Intensive Care, Western Health, Footscray, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kelly Thompson
- Faculty of Medicine, Critical Care Division, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Martin Hensher
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Scott McAlister
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Centre for Health Policy, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alisa M Higgins
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Level 3, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, Critical Care Division, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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11
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Lichtnegger S, Meissner M, Paolini F, Veloz A, Saunders R. Comparative Life Cycle Assessment Between Single-Use and Reprocessed IPC Sleeves. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:2715-2726. [PMID: 38107437 PMCID: PMC10725682 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s439982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Healthcare has a large environmental footprint, not least due to the wide use of single-use supplies. Reprocessing of medical devices is a well-established, regulated process, and can reduce its environmental impact. This life cycle assessment (LCA) compares the environmental footprint of a single-use and a reprocessed version of otherwise identical intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) sleeves. Materials and Methods The LCA was performed in accordance with the international standard ISO 14044 using the Environmental Footprint 3.0 (EF) method for the assessment. Data were obtained in cooperation with IPC sleeve manufacturers. Where no primary data were available, ecoinvent database records were used. The functional unit is five hospital treatments applying IPC. The robustness of the results was interrogated in sensitivity analyses of the energy mix, the ethylene oxide emissions during reprocessing, and the transport distances. The impact of waste reduction on hospital disposal costs was calculated. Results The environmental footprint of reprocessed IPC sleeves was found to be reduced in all categories compared to single-use devices, leading to a weighted normalized reduction of 43% across all categories. In a breakdown of the LCA results, reprocessed IPC sleeves were found to reduce the carbon footprint by 40%, with the treatment of five patients with single-use IPC sleeves creating 7 kg CO2eq, compared to 4.2 kg CO2eq from reprocessed sleeves. Waste disposal costs were also reduced by 90%. Conclusion Reprocessing of IPC sleeves provides an environmental and economic benefit in comparison to single-use devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Meissner
- Austrian Institute of Ecology and Pulswerk GmbH, Vienna, VIE, Austria
| | | | | | - Rhodri Saunders
- Coreva Scientific GmbH & Co. KG, Koenigswinter, NRW, Germany
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12
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Berthelot S, Longtin Y, Margni M, Guertin JR, LeBlanc A, Marx T, Mangou K, Bluteau A, Mantovani D, Mikhaylin S, Bergeron F, Dancause V, Desjardins A, Lahrichi N, Martin D, Sossa CJ, Lachapelle P, Genest I, Schaal S, Gignac A, Tremblay S, Hufty É, Bélanger L, Beatty E. Postpandemic Evaluation of the Eco-Efficiency of Personal Protective Equipment Against COVID-19 in Emergency Departments: Proposal for a Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e50682. [PMID: 38060296 PMCID: PMC10739239 DOI: 10.2196/50682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on emergency department (ED) care in Canada and around the world. To prevent transmission of COVID-19, personal protective equipment (PPE) was required for all ED care providers in contact with suspected cases. With mass vaccination and improvements in several infection prevention components, our hypothesis is that the risks of transmission of COVID-19 will be significantly reduced and that current PPE use will have economic and ecological consequences that exceed its anticipated benefits. Evidence is needed to evaluate PPE use so that recommendations can ensure the clinical, economic, and environmental efficiency (ie, eco-efficiency) of its use. OBJECTIVE To support the development of recommendations for the eco-efficient use of PPE, our research objectives are to (1) estimate the clinical effectiveness (reduced transmission, hospitalizations, mortality, and work absenteeism) of PPE against COVID-19 for health care workers; (2) estimate the financial cost of using PPE in the ED for the management of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients; and (3) estimate the ecological footprint of PPE use against COVID-19 in the ED. METHODS We will conduct a mixed method study to evaluate the eco-efficiency of PPE use in the 5 EDs of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Québec, Canada). To achieve our goals, the project will include four phases: systematic review of the literature to assess the clinical effectiveness of PPE (objective 1; phase 1); cost estimation of PPE use in the ED using a time-driven activity-based costing method (objective 2; phase 2); ecological footprint estimation of PPE use using a life cycle assessment approach (objective 3; phase 3); and cost-consequence analysis and focus groups (integration of objectives 1 to 3; phase 4). RESULTS The first 3 phases have started. The results of these phases will be available in 2023. Phase 4 will begin in 2023 and results will be available in 2024. CONCLUSIONS While the benefits of PPE use are likely to diminish as health care workers' immunity increases, it is important to assess its economic and ecological impacts to develop recommendations to guide its eco-efficient use. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022302598; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=302598. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/50682.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Berthelot
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Manuele Margni
- Ecole Polytechnique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jason Robert Guertin
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Annie LeBlanc
- Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Tania Marx
- Services des urgences, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Khadidiatou Mangou
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ariane Bluteau
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Diego Mantovani
- Axe Médecine régénératrice, Centre de recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sergey Mikhaylin
- EcoFoodLab, Département des sciences de aliments, Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Nadia Lahrichi
- Ecole Polytechnique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Danielle Martin
- Fashion Design and Creative Direction, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Anne Gignac
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Éric Hufty
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Erica Beatty
- Département de médecine d'urgence, Hôpital Montfort, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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13
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Fogarty AE, Wilson A, Godambe M, Shinde N, Gou C, Decker G, Steensma J. The carbon footprint of epidural steroid injections: A pilot study. PM R 2023. [PMID: 38037489 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidural steroid injections are common procedures in physical medicine and rehabilitation practice. However, their environmental impact has not been characterized. OBJECTIVE The primary aim is to estimate and compare the carbon footprint of two standard injection kits used to perform epidural steroid injections at a single academic institution. Secondary objectives were (1) to create a step-by-step guide for estimating the carbon footprint of materials and (2) to survey physicians on practice patterns and identify areas for improvement. DESIGN Pilot study. SETTING Academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS N/A. INTERVENTIONS N/A. OUTCOME MEASURES Carbon emissions measured in CO2 equivalents (CO2 eq). METHODS Using guidance from the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the carbon footprint of the two kits was estimated by taking the sum of carbon emissions resulting from the production of the kit materials and the carbon emissions resulting from the waste disposal of the kit materials. RESULTS The carbon footprint of the transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) kit was estimated at 1.328 kg CO2 eq. The carbon footprint of the interlaminar epidural steroid injection (ILESI) kit was estimated at 2.534 kg CO2 eq. For both kits, the carbon emissions resulting from the production of the kits were greater than the emissions resulting from disposal. The survey of interventionalists performing TFESI revealed all respondents required materials in addition to those provided in the standard epidural kit. Despite this, kit materials were typically wasted in 62% of respondents. CONCLUSION Creating a methodology for quantifying carbon emissions is the first step to reducing carbon emissions. Once emissions are measured, the health care industry can determine the most effective strategies for reducing its impact. Our analysis has shown that it is feasible to perform emissions calculations and delineates a clear method with publicly available resources. Solutions to reduce epidural injection carbon footprint waste may include improved kit customization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Fogarty
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8233, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Annalee Wilson
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Booking Drive, Campus Box 1196, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Maya Godambe
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Booking Drive, Campus Box 1196, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nidhi Shinde
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Booking Drive, Campus Box 1196, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christine Gou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8233, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gregory Decker
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8233, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Joe Steensma
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Booking Drive, Campus Box 1196, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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14
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Rouvière N, Chkair S, Auger F, Cuvillon P, Leguelinel-Blache G, Chasseigne V. Reusable laryngoscope blades: a more eco-responsible and cost-effective alternative. Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med 2023; 42:101276. [PMID: 37437711 DOI: 10.1016/j.accpm.2023.101276] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Consumption of single-use medical devices has increased considerably, contributing to the excessive wastage produced during surgical procedures. The present study aimed to describe a methodology to assess the transition from single-use blades (SUB) to reusable laryngoscope blades (RUB) and to assess the ecological and economic impact of the switch. METHODS The ecological analysis was based on the life cycle assessment method. Based on 30 operating rooms in a single tertiary university hospital, the economic analysis compared the usual SUB supplier with four RUB suppliers considering different costs: blade purchasing and depreciation, reprocessing, logistics and waste management. RESULTS In 2021, 17,200 intubations were performed requiring about 147 RUBs. Switching from SUB to RUB led to an annual saving of 26.5 tons of CO2eq (global warming impact), equivalent to 120 000 km by car. It avoids the extraction of 6.6 tons Oileq (petroleum) and 579 kg of copper (mineral resources) per year. This action also leads to a land occupation reduction of 626 m2 per year and water savings of 221.6 m3 per year. The average cost per intubation varies from 3.16 [3.15-3.16] for SUB to 2.81 [2.77-2.85] for RUB, representing an average saving of 0.35 per intubation leading to 5783.50 annual gain [5074.00-6192.00]. RUB are preferable from 3 and 86 uses from an ecological and economic viewpoint, respectively. CONCLUSION In a model of 17,200 intubations /year, switching SUD to RUB would save 26.5 tons of CO2eq and 6.6 tons of Oileq with 5783.50 annual gain. RUBs are ecologically and cost-effective after 3 and 86 uses, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Rouvière
- Department of Pharmacy, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
| | - S Chkair
- Institute Desbrest of Epidemiology and Public Health, INSERM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - F Auger
- Primum non nocere agency, Beziers, France
| | - P Cuvillon
- UR-UM103 IMAGINE, University Montpellier, Division of Anesthesia Critical Care, Pain and Emergency Medicine, Montpellier, France
| | - G Leguelinel-Blache
- Department of Pharmacy, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France; Institute Desbrest of Epidemiology and Public Health, INSERM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - V Chasseigne
- Department of Pharmacy, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France; Institute Desbrest of Epidemiology and Public Health, INSERM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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15
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Pauchard JC, Hafiani EM, Bonnet L, Cabelguenne D, Carenco P, Cassier P, Garnier J, Lallemant F, Pons S, Sautou V, De Jong A, Caillard A. Guidelines for reducing the environmental impact of general anaesthesia. Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med 2023; 42:101291. [PMID: 37562688 DOI: 10.1016/j.accpm.2023.101291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide guidelines for reducing the environmental impact of general anaesthesia. DESIGN A committee of ten experts from SFAR and SF2H and SFPC learned societies was set up. A policy of declaration of competing interests was applied and observed throughout the guideline-writing process. Likewise, it did not benefit from any funding from a company marketing a health product (drug or medical device). The committee followed the GRADE® method (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to assess the quality of the evidence on which the recommendations were based. METHODS We aimed to formulate recommendations according to the GRADE® methodology for three different fields: anaesthesia vapours and gases; intravenous drugs; medical devices and the working environment. Each question was formulated according to the PICO format (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome). The literature review and recommendations were formulated according to the GRADE® methodology. RESULTS The experts' work on the synthesis and application of the GRADE® method led to the formulation of 17 recommendations. Since the GRADE® method could not be entirely applied to all of the questions, some of the recommendations were formulated as expert opinions. CONCLUSION Based on strong agreement between experts, we produced 17 recommendations designed to guide reducing the environmental impact of general anaesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Claude Pauchard
- Ramsay Santé, Member of Société Française d'Anesthésie Réanimation (SFAR) Substainable Development Committee, Clinique Aguiléra, Biarritz, France.
| | - El-Madhi Hafiani
- Department of Anaesthesia, Resuscitation and Perioperative Medicine, DMU DREAM - Tenon Hospital, AP-HP Sorbonne University, Paris, France.
| | - Laure Bonnet
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Centre Hospitalier Princess Grace, Monaco
| | | | - Philipe Carenco
- Hygiene Department CHU de Nice, Nice, France; CPias PACA, Marseille, France; AFNOR, La Plaine Saint-Denis, France; Comité Européen de Normalisation, Brussels, Belgium; Bureau de Normalisation de l'Industrie Textile et de l'Habillement (BNITH), domaine des textiles en santé, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Cassier
- Institute of Infectious Agents, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jérémie Garnier
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, CHU Amiens-Picardie, 1 Rond-Point du Pr Christian Cabrol, 80054 Amiens Cedex 1, France
| | - Florence Lallemant
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; CHU Lille, Pôle des Urgences, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Stéphanie Pons
- DMU DREAM, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Sorbonne University, GRC 29, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Sautou
- Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, CHU Clermont Ferrand, ICCF, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Audrey De Jong
- PhyMedExp, Montpellier University, INSERM, CNRS, CHU Montpellier, France; Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, St-Eloi Hospital, France
| | - Anaïs Caillard
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, CHU Brest, Cavale Blanche Hospital, France; ORPHY, EA 4324, France
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16
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Meissner M, Hafermann J, Silas U, Saunders R. Evaluating the Environmental Impact of Single-Use and Multi-Use Surgical Staplers with Staple Line Buttressing in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:1423-1433. [PMID: 37560134 PMCID: PMC10408667 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s415989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Operation rooms have a large environmental impact. Single-use staplers (SUS) are widely used surgical instruments that contribute to resource consumption and waste generation, whereas multi-use staplers (MUS) can greatly reduce the environmental impact of surgery. The staple lines are often reinforced with buttressing material to prevent leaks and bleeding. We explore current clinical practice and environmental concerns regarding stapling and buttressing, as well as the environmental impact of staple line buttressing in sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Furthermore, we extend this analysis by taking packaging material and the lithium in power supplies into consideration. MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey of bariatric surgeons was conducted to assess stapler and buttressing use in clinical practice. We deconstructed and analyzed the product and packaging composition of a commonly used SUS with separate staple line reinforcement (Echelon Flex™ with Echelon Endopath™, Ethicon) and MUS (Signia™ with Tri-Staple™ reinforced reloads, Medtronic), where the buttressing material was delivered separately or already incorporated in the reload cartridge, respectively. Both systems were compared regarding total waste generation, resource use (determined as total material requirement), and greenhouse gas emission caused by their lithium content. RESULTS 60 mm cartridges were most frequently used in bariatric surgery, and 67% of surveyed surgeons applied staple line reinforcement. MUS with pre-attached buttressing resulted in a reduction of waste, material consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions compared to SUS with separate buttressing: they reduced product waste by 40% (SG and RYBG), packaging waste by 60% (SG) and 57% (RYGB), resource consumption by more than 90%, and greenhouse gas emissions related to the lithium in the batteries by 99.7%. Preloaded buttressing produced less waste than separate buttressing per stapler firing. CONCLUSION The environmental impact of surgery can be greatly reduced by using MUS with pre-attached buttressing rather than SUS with separate buttressing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ubong Silas
- Coreva Scientific GmbH & Co. KG, Koenigswinter, Germany
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17
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Galvão DM, Cezar-Vaz MR, Xavier DM, Penha JGM, Lourenção LG. Hospital sustainability indicators and reduction of socio-environmental impacts: a scoping review. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2023; 57:e20220364. [PMID: 37366602 DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2022-0364en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesize knowledge about hospital sustainability indicators and evidence of reduced socio-environmental impact. METHOD Literature scoping review using Pubmed, Science Direct, Scielo and Lilacs databases. Studies in a time frame of 10 years, addressing hospital sustainability indicators and evidence of reduced socio-environmental impact published in any language were included. RESULTS A total of 28 articles were included, most were applied research, published in 2012, in English. Studies showed ways to save water and energy, as well as ways to monitor and mitigate the impact of activities related to effluents, waste and emissions. All studies had nursing work directly or indirectly involved in hospital sustainability. CONCLUSION The possibilities of generating less impact on the environment and increasing the economy/efficiency of a hospital are countless. The particularities of each hospital must be taken into account and workers, especially nurses, should be involved.
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Rowan NJ, Kremer T, McDonnell G. A review of Spaulding's classification system for effective cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical devices: Viewed through a modern-day lens that will inform and enable future sustainability. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:162976. [PMID: 36963674 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in medicine and innovations in many underpinning fields including disease prevention and control, the Spaulding classification system, originally proposed in 1957, remains widely used for defining the disinfection and sterilization of contaminated re-usable medical devices and surgical instruments. Screening PubMed and Scopus databases using a PRISMA guiding framework generated 272 relevant publications that were used in this review. Findings revealed that there is a need to evolve how medical devices are designed, and processed by cleaning, disinfection (and/or sterilization) to mitigate patient risks, including acquiring an infection. This Spaulding Classification remains in use as it is logical, easily applied and understood by users (microbiologists, epidemiologists, manufacturers, industry) and by regulators. However, substantial changes have occurred over the past 65 years that challenge interpretation and application of this system that includes inter alia emergence of new pathogens (viruses, mycobacteria, protozoa, fungi), a greater understanding of innate and adaptive microbial tolerance to disinfection, toxicity risks, increased number of vulnerable patients and associated patient procedures, and greater complexity in design and use of medical devices. Common cited examples include endoscopes that enable non- or minimal invasive procedures but are highly sophisticated with various types of materials (polymers, electronic components etc), long narrow channels, right angle and heat-sensitive components and various accessories (e.g., values) that can be contaminated with high levels of microbial bioburden and patient tissues after use. Contaminated flexible duodenoscopes have been a source of several significant infection outbreaks, where at least 9 reported cases were caused by multidrug resistant organisms [MDROs] with no obvious breach in processing detected. Despite this, there is evidence of the lack of attention to cleaning and maintenance of these devices and associated equipment. Over the last few decades there is increasing genomic evidence of innate and adaptive resistance to chemical disinfectant methods along with adaptive tolerance to environmental stresses. To reduce these risks, it has been proposed to elevate classification of higher-risk flexible endoscopes (such as duodenoscopes) from semi-critical [contact with mucous membrane and intact skin] to critical use [contact with sterile tissue and blood] that entails a transition to using low-temperature sterilization modalities instead of routinely using high-level disinfection; thus, increasing the margin of safety for endoscope processing. This timely review addresses important issues surrounding use of the Spaulding classification system to meet modern-day needs. It specifically addresses the need for automated, robust cleaning and drying methods combined with using real-time monitoring of device processing. There is a need to understand entire end-to-end processing of devices instead of adopting silo approaches that in the future will be informed by artificial intelligence and deep-learning/machine learning. For example, combinational solutions that address the formation of complex biofilms that harbour pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms on the surfaces of processed devices. Emerging trends are addressed including future sustainability for the medical devices sector that can be enabled via a new Quintuple Helix Hub approach that combines academia, industry, healthcare, regulators, and society to unlock real world solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Rowan
- Centre for Sustainable Disinfection and Sterilization, Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, Ireland; Department of Nursing and Healthcare, Technological University of the Shannon Midwest Mideast, Athlone Campus, Ireland; SFI-funded CURAM Centre for Medical Device Research, University of Galway, Ireland.
| | - T Kremer
- Centre for Sustainable Disinfection and Sterilization, Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, Ireland; Microbiological Quality & Sterility Assurance, Johnson & Johnson, 1000 Route 202, South Raritan, NJ 08869, USA
| | - G McDonnell
- Microbiological Quality & Sterility Assurance, Johnson & Johnson, 1000 Route 202, South Raritan, NJ 08869, USA
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19
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Davies JF, Ikin B, Francis JJ, McGain F. Implementation approaches to improve environmental sustainability in operating theatres: a systematic review. Br J Anaesth 2023:S0007-0912(23)00253-2. [PMID: 37344341 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Operating theatres consume large amounts of energy and consumables and produce large amounts of waste. There is an increasing evidence base for reducing the climate impacts of healthcare that could be enacted into routine practice; yet, healthcare-associated emissions increase annually. Implementation science aims to improve the systematic uptake of evidence-based care into practice and could, therefore, assist in addressing the environmental impacts of healthcare. The aim of this systematic search with narrative synthesis was to explore what implementation approaches have been applied to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatre activities, described by implementation phases and methodologies. A search was conducted in EMBASE, PubMed, and CINAHL, limited to English and publication since 2010. In total, 3886 articles were retrieved and 11 were included. All were in the exploratory phase (seven of 11) or initial implementation phase (four of 11), but none were in the installation or full implementation phase. Three studies utilised a recognised implementation theory, model, or framework in the design. Four studies used interprofessional education to influence individuals' behaviour to reduce waste, improve waste segregation, or reduce anaesthetic gases. Of those that utilised behaviour change interventions, all were qualitatively successful in achieving environmental improvement. There was an absence of evidence for sustained effects in the intervention studies and little follow-up from studies that explored barriers to innovation. This review demonstrates a gap between evidence for reducing environmental impacts and uptake of proposed practice changes to deliver low-carbon healthcare. Future research into 'greening' healthcare should use implementation research methods to establish a solid implementation evidence base. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL: PROSPERO CRD42022342786.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Davies
- Department of Anaesthesia, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Critical Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Brigit Ikin
- Department of Anaesthesia, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jillian J Francis
- School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Implementation Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute-General Campus, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Forbes McGain
- Department of Critical Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Anaesthesia, Western Health, Footscray, Victoria, Australia; Department of Intensive Care, Western Health, Footscray, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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20
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Perry H, Reeves N, Ansell J, Cornish J, Torkington J, Morris DS, Brennan F, Horwood J. Innovations towards achieving environmentally sustainable operating theatres: A systematic review. Surgeon 2023; 21:141-151. [PMID: 35715311 DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The NHS accounts for 5.4% of the UK's total carbon footprint, with the perioperative environment being the most resource hungry aspect of the hospital. The aim of this systematic review was to assimilate the published studies concerning the sustainability of the perioperative environment, focussing on the impact of implemented interventions. METHODS A systematic review was performed using Pubmed, OVID, Embase, Cochrane database of systematic reviews and Medline. Original manuscripts describing interventions aimed at improving operating theatre environmental sustainability were included. RESULTS 675 abstracts were screened with 34 manuscripts included. Studies were divided into broad themes; recycling and waste management, waste reduction, reuse, reprocessing or life cycle analysis, energy and resource reduction and anaesthetic gases. This review summarises the interventions identified and their resulting effects on theatre sustainability. DISCUSSION This systematic review has identified simple, yet highly effective interventions across a variety of themes that can lead to improved environmental sustainability of surgical operating theatres. Combining these interventions will likely result in a synergistic improvement to the environmental impact of surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Perry
- University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS Trust: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, UK; NHS Wales Health Education and Improvement Wales, UK.
| | - Nicola Reeves
- NHS Wales Health Education and Improvement Wales, UK; Aneurin Bevan Health Board, UK
| | - James Ansell
- University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS Trust: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, UK
| | - Julie Cornish
- University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS Trust: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, UK
| | - Jared Torkington
- University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS Trust: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, UK
| | - Daniel S Morris
- University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS Trust: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, UK
| | - Fiona Brennan
- University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS Trust: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, UK
| | - James Horwood
- University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS Trust: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, UK
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21
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Lam K, Gadi N, Acharya A, Winter Beatty J, Darzi A, Purkayastha S. Interventions for sustainable surgery: a systematic review. Int J Surg 2023; 109:1447-1458. [PMID: 37042311 PMCID: PMC10389594 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000359] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate interventions designed to improve the sustainability of surgical practice with respect to their environmental and financial impact. BACKGROUND Surgery contributes significantly to emissions attributed to healthcare due to its high resource and energy use. Several interventions across the operative pathway have, therefore, been trialed to minimize this impact. Few comparisons of the environmental and financial effects of these interventions exist. MATERIALS AND METHODS A search of studies published up to 2nd February 2022 describing interventions to increase surgical sustainability was undertaken. Articles regarding the environmental impact of only anesthetic agents were excluded. Data regarding environmental and financial outcomes were extracted with a quality assessment completed dependent upon the study design. RESULTS In all, 1162 articles were retrieved, of which 21 studies met inclusion criteria. Twenty-five interventions were described, which were categorized into five domains: 'reduce and rationalize', 'reusable equipment and textiles', 'recycling and waste segregation', 'anesthetic alternatives', and 'other'. Eleven of the 21 studies examined reusable devices; those demonstrating a benefit reported 40-66% lower emissions than with single-use alternatives. In studies not showing a lower carbon footprint, the reduction in manufacturing emissions was offset by the high environmental impact of local fossil fuel-based energy required for sterilization. The per use monetary cost of reusable equipment was 47-83% of the single-use equivalent. CONCLUSIONS A narrow repertoire of interventions to improve the environmental sustainability of surgery has been trialed. The majority focuses on reusable equipment. Emissions and cost data are limited, with longitudinal impacts rarely investigated. Real-world appraisals will facilitate implementation, as will an understanding of how sustainability impacts surgical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, St Mary’s Hospital, London, UK
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22
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Kampman JM, Sperna Weiland NH. Anaesthesia and environment: impact of a green anaesthesia on economics. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2023; 36:188-195. [PMID: 36700462 PMCID: PMC9973446 DOI: 10.1097/aco.0000000000001243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The excessive growth of the health sector has created an industry that, while promoting health, is now itself responsible for a significant part of global environmental pollution. The health crisis caused by climate change urges us to transform healthcare into a sustainable industry. This review aims to raise awareness about this issue and to provide practical and evidence-based recommendations for anaesthesiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolaas H. Sperna Weiland
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Anaesthesiology
- Amsterdam UMC Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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23
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Clayton-Smith M, Narayanan H, Shelton C, Bates L, Brennan F, Deido B, Donnellon M, Dorey J, Evans B, Gower J, Hamdaoui Y, Hitchman J, Kinsella SM, Knagg R, Lawson C, Morris D, Pegna V, Radcliffe T, Schaff O, Sheppard T, Strong J, Jones D. Greener Operations: a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership to define research priorities in environmentally sustainable perioperative practice through a structured consensus approach. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066622. [PMID: 36977540 PMCID: PMC10069275 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To agree on the 'top 10' research priorities for environmentally sustainable perioperative practice. DESIGN Surveys and literature review; final consensus workshop using a nominal group technique. SETTING UK-based setting. PARTICIPANTS Healthcare professionals, patients, carers and the public. OUTCOME MEASURES Initial survey-suggested research questions; interim survey-shortlist of 'indicative' questions (the 20 most frequently nominated by patients, carers and the public, and healthcare professionals); final workshop-ranked research priorities. RESULTS Initial survey-1926 suggestions by 296 respondents, refined into 60 indicative questions. Interim survey-325 respondents. Final workshop-21 participants agreed the 'top 10': (1) How can more sustainable reusable equipment safely be used during and around the time of an operation? (2) How can healthcare organisations more sustainably procure (obtain) medicines, equipment and items used during and around the time of an operation? (3) How can healthcare professionals who deliver care during and around the time of an operation be encouraged to adopt sustainable actions in practice? (4) Can more efficient use of operating theatres and associated practices reduce the environmental impact of operations? (5) How can the amount of waste generated during and around the time of an operation be minimised? (6) How do we measure and compare the short-term and long-term environmental impacts of surgical and non-surgical treatments for the same condition? (7) What is the environmental impact of different anaesthetic techniques (eg, different types of general, regional and local anaesthesia) used for the same operation? (8) How should the environmental impact of an operation be weighed against its clinical outcomes and financial costs? (9) How can environmental sustainability be incorporated into the organisational management of operating theatres? (10) What are the most sustainable forms of effective infection prevention and control used around the time of an operation (eg, personal protective equipment, drapes, clean air ventilation)? CONCLUSIONS A broad range of 'end-users' have identified research priorities for sustainable perioperative care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clifford Shelton
- Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Louise Bates
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | | | | | - Mike Donnellon
- College of Operating Department Practitioners, London, UK
| | - Jenny Dorey
- Patient and Public Representative, Oxford, UK
| | - Bob Evans
- Patient and Public Representative, Oxted, UK
| | | | | | | | - S Michael Kinsella
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Cathy Lawson
- County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, Darlington, UK
| | - Daniel Morris
- University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS Trust, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | - Olivia Schaff
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - David Jones
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Richter H, Schulz-Stübner S, Pecher S, Orlowski S, Coburn M, Schuster M. [Prioritized utilisation and reprocessing of reusable equipment in anaesthesiology deparmtents : Recommendations on how to reduce CO 2 emissions from anaesthetic equipment]. DIE ANAESTHESIOLOGIE 2023:10.1007/s00101-023-01268-2. [PMID: 36930267 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-023-01268-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Currently, few robust data are available to provide estimates of the environmental footprint and in particular the CO2 emissions of medical devices; however, existing life cycle assessments largely indicate that reusable materials have more favorable emissions and environmental footprints compared to disposable items. Thus, the challenge for every anesthesiology department is to identify items that can be used as reusable products for ecological and other reasons.A prerequisite for the use of reusable items is hygienically correct reprocessing and packaging. Here, a distinction must be made between noncritical, semicritical and critical medical devices, depending on the type of use. In addition, a distinction must be made between categories A-C, depending on the complexity of the reprocessing.In this narrative review article common reusable items used in anesthesiology are categorized and a standardized decision algorithm for reprocessing routes is proposed. Special attention is also given to the packaging of medical devices, which can contribute to the ecological footprint to a relevant extent.This article further explains the framework under which reprocessing can take place and analyzes the current state of knowledge on the life cycle assessment of reprocessing reusable devices.This requires the special commitment of clinically active anesthesiologists to include ecological aspects in the decision to use disposable or reusable items. In the medium term, comprehensible ecological key numbers should be provided on every medical device to make the ecological costs of the articles understandable in addition to the monetary costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Richter
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin, Notfallmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Kliniken Landkreis Karlsruhe, Fürst-Stirum-Klinik Bruchsal, Rechbergklinik Bretten, Akademische Lehrkrankenhäuser der Universität Heidelberg, Gutleutstr. 1-14, 76646, Bruchsal, Deutschland.,Nachhaltigkeit in der Anästhesiologie, Forum der DGAI und des BDA, Nürnberg, Deutschland
| | | | - Sabine Pecher
- Klinik für Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin, Diakonie Klinikum, Stuttgart, Deutschland.,Nachhaltigkeit in der Anästhesiologie, Forum der DGAI und des BDA, Nürnberg, Deutschland
| | | | - Mark Coburn
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Uniklinik Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland.,Nachhaltigkeit in der Anästhesiologie, Forum der DGAI und des BDA, Nürnberg, Deutschland
| | - Martin Schuster
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin, Notfallmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Kliniken Landkreis Karlsruhe, Fürst-Stirum-Klinik Bruchsal, Rechbergklinik Bretten, Akademische Lehrkrankenhäuser der Universität Heidelberg, Gutleutstr. 1-14, 76646, Bruchsal, Deutschland. .,Nachhaltigkeit in der Anästhesiologie, Forum der DGAI und des BDA, Nürnberg, Deutschland.
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25
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Atraszkiewicz DV. Greener 'Gassers': key challenges in anaesthesia and perioperative medicine related to the evolving climate crisis. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2023; 40:218-221. [PMID: 36722189 DOI: 10.1097/eja.0000000000001790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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26
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Keil M, Viere T, Helms K, Rogowski W. The impact of switching from single-use to reusable healthcare products: a transparency checklist and systematic review of life-cycle assessments. Eur J Public Health 2023; 33:56-63. [PMID: 36433787 PMCID: PMC9898010 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Replacing single-use products with reusable ones may reduce the environmental impact of healthcare. This study aimed to broadly assess the environmental effects of that substitution. METHODS A systematic review of comparative cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessments (LCAs) of single-use and reusable healthcare products was conducted. The main outcomes assessed were changes in the environmental impact that resulted after switching from single-use to reusable products. As no standardized transparency checklist was available, one was developed here using DIN ISO 14040/14044. The final checklist included 22 criteria used to appraise the included studies. RESULTS After screening, 27 studies were included in the analysis. The healthcare products were assigned to four categories: invasive medical devices, non-invasive medical devices, protection equipment and inhalers. The outcomes revealed a reduction in mean effect sizes for all environmental impacts except water use. Non-invasive medical devices have greater relative mitigation potential than invasive devices. On average, information on 64% of the transparency checklist items was reported. Gaps included the reporting of data quality requirements. CONCLUSIONS Switching to reusable healthcare products is likely to reduce most impacts on the environment except water use, but the effect size differs among product categories. Possible study limitations include location bias, no systematic search of the grey literature and small samples for some impacts. This study's strengths are its approach to product categories and developed transparency catalogue. This catalogue could be useful to inform and guide a future process towards creating a standardized transparency checklist for the systematic reviews of LCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattis Keil
- Health Sciences, Institute for Public Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Tobias Viere
- Institute for Industrial Ecology, Pforzheim University, Pforzheim, Germany
| | - Kevin Helms
- Health Sciences, Institute for Public Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Wolf Rogowski
- Health Sciences, Institute for Public Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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27
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Siegler P, Wiethoelter A, Hufschmid J. Perspectives of vets on plastics in veterinary medicine. Aust Vet J 2023; 101:164-173. [PMID: 36690594 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of disposable plastics and their subsequent environmental impacts are topics of increasing concern in modern society. Medical, including veterinary, sectors are major contributors to plastic waste production. While there is an existing body of literature on the use and reduction of disposable plastics in the human medical sector, few studies, if any, have specifically investigated the use of plastics within the veterinary field. The overall aim of this pilot study was to investigate Australian veterinarians regarding their attitudes toward the ways in which they use disposable plastic in their work and personal lives. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven veterinarians were interviewed, representing a range of demographics and professional backgrounds from multiple states. Thematic qualitative analysis was employed to organise the data into several major themes encompassing many smaller nodes. RESULTS The dataset revealed that most, if not all, veterinarians interviewed agree that disposable plastic is used in excess in veterinary medicine, but that veterinarians will never be able to avoid using plastic entirely. Participants supplied differing opinions with respect to the best strategies for reducing plastic waste production within the veterinary field, including recycling, replacing disposable items or improving education. DISCUSSION Despite different participants suggesting conflicting ideas, most, if not all, of the ideas presented have support in the scientific literature. This supports a hybrid approach involving refining recycling systems, reducing plastic consumption and improving education on plastic waste production. A hybrid top-down-bottom-up approach must include encouraging cooperation among stakeholders, both within and outside the veterinary sector, as this will be a major contributor to progress. In a broader context, this hybrid approach to inciting change at all levels of the veterinary sector will require engagement from many interdependent entities; as such, this study should act as a starting point for an ongoing process of cooperative change. Recommendations for future research include life cycle analyses of reusable versus disposable veterinary materials; exploring ways to expand sustainability education within and beyond the veterinary sector, and examining methods of improving technology and infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Siegler
- Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Wiethoelter
- Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Hufschmid
- Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
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28
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Saleh JR, Mitchell A, Kha ST, Outterson R, Choi A, Allen L, Chang T, Ladd AL, Goodman SB, Fox P, Chou L. The Environmental Impact of Orthopaedic Surgery. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2023; 105:74-82. [PMID: 36574633 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.22.00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
➤ There are a growing number of opportunities within the field of orthopaedic surgery to address climate change and investigate ways to promote sustainability. ➤ Orthopaedic surgeons can take a proactive role in addressing climate change and its impacts within the areas of operating-room waste, carbon emissions from transportation and implant manufacturing, anesthetic gases, and water usage. ➤ Future studies are needed to further these initiatives on quantifying and decreasing environmental impact and furthering sustainable use of our resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R Saleh
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Allison Mitchell
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, California
| | - Stephanie T Kha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, California
| | - Rachel Outterson
- Department of Anesthesia, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Redwood City, California
| | - Aiden Choi
- Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | - Tony Chang
- Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Amy L Ladd
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, California
| | - Stuart B Goodman
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering, Stanford University, Redwood City, California
| | - Paige Fox
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Loretta Chou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, California
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29
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Hennein R, Goddard E, Sherman JD. Stakeholder perspectives on scaling up medical device reprocessing: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279808. [PMID: 36584081 PMCID: PMC9803114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The United States health care sector is one of the largest polluting industries, which has significant adverse effects on human health. Medical device reprocessing (MDR) is a sustainability solution that has the potential to decrease hospital waste, cut carbon emissions, reduce spending, and improve supply chain resiliency; however, only a small proportion of FDA-approved devices are actually reprocessed. Thus, we conducted a qualitative study to understand barriers and facilitators of scaling up MDR. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted in-depth interviews with 17 stakeholders (exceeding thematic saturation) at a large academic health system in New England and national MDR organizations. We also collected observations through site visits at the health system. We recruited participants from June 2021 to April 2022 through purposive sampling. Using an analytic approach guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we applied inductive and deductive codes related to key implementation constructs. We then conducted a thematic analysis and identified five overarching themes related to barriers and facilitators of MDR. First, respondents explained that regulatory bodies and original equipment manufacturers determine which devices can be reprocessed. For example, some respondents described that original equipment manufacturers use tactics of forced obsolescence that prevent their devices from being reprocessed. Second, respondents explained that MDR has variable compatibility with hospital priorities; for example, the potential cost savings of MDR is compatible with their priorities, while the perception of decreased functionality of reprocessed medical devices is incompatible. Third, respondents described that physician preferences influence which reprocessed devices get ordered. Fourth, respondents explained that variable staff knowledge and beliefs about MDR influence their motivations to select and collect reprocessable devices. Lastly, respondents emphasized that there was a lack of infrastructure for evaluating and maintaining MDR programs within their health system. CONCLUSIONS Based on our findings, we have outlined a number of recommendations that target these barriers and facilitators so that the environmental and financial benefits of MDR can be realized at this health system and nationally. For example, implementing federal policies that prevent original equipment manufacturers from using tactics of forced obsolescence can facilitate the scale-up of MDR nationally. Additionally, providing life cycle assessments that compare the environmental effects of single-use disposable, reprocessable disposable, and reusable devices could facilitate health systems' purchasing decisions. Creating and disseminating audit and feedback reports to hospital staff might also facilitate their continued engagement in the program. Lastly, hiring a full-time program manager that leads MDR programs within health systems could improve program sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hennein
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America,Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America,* E-mail:
| | - Emily Goddard
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Jodi D. Sherman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
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30
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Drew J, Christie SD, Rainham D, Rizan C. HealthcareLCA: an open-access living database of health-care environmental impact assessments. Lancet Planet Health 2022; 6:e1000-e1012. [PMID: 36495883 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(22)00257-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic environmental change negatively effects human health and is increasing health-care system demand. Paradoxically, the provision of health care, which itself is a substantial contributor to environmental degradation, is compounding this problem. There is increasing willingness to transition towards sustainable health-care systems globally and ensuring that strategy and action are informed by best available evidence is imperative. In this Personal View, we present an interactive, open-access database designed to support this effort. Functioning as a living repository of environmental impact assessments within health care, the HealthcareLCA database collates 152 studies, predominantly peer-reviewed journal articles, into one centralised and publicly accessible location, providing impact estimates (currently totalling 3671 numerical values) across 1288 health-care products and processes. The database brings together research generated over the past two decades and indicates exponential field growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Drew
- Department of Surgery (Neurosurgery), Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Sean D Christie
- Department of Surgery (Neurosurgery), Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Daniel Rainham
- School of Health and Human Performance and the Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Chantelle Rizan
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK; Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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31
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Bolten A, Kringos DS, Spijkerman IJB, Sperna Weiland NH. The carbon footprint of the operating room related to infection prevention measures: a scoping review. J Hosp Infect 2022; 128:64-73. [PMID: 35850380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection prevention measures are widely used in operating rooms (ORs). However, the extent to which they are at odds with ambitions to reduce the health sector's carbon footprint remains unclear. AIM To synthesize the evidence base for the carbon footprint of commonly used infection prevention measures in the OR, namely medical devices and instruments, surgical attire and air treatment systems. METHODS A scoping review of the international scientific literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The search was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles published between 2010 and June 2021 on infection prevention measures, their impact on the health sector's carbon footprint, and risk for surgical site infections (SSIs) were included. FINDINGS Although hospitals strive to reduce their carbon footprint, many infection prevention measures result in increased emissions. Evidence suggests that the use of disposable items instead of reusable items generally increases the carbon footprint, depending on sources of electricity. Controversy exists regarding the correlation between air treatment systems, contamination and the incidence of SSIs. The literature indicates that new air treatment systems consume more energy and do not necessarily reduce SSIs compared with conventional systems. CONCLUSION Infection prevention measures in ORs can be at odds with sustainability. The use of new air treatment systems and disposable items generally leads to significant greenhouse gas emissions, and does not necessarily reduce the incidence of SSIs. Alternative infection prevention measures with less environmental impact are available. Implementation could be facilitated by embracing environmental impact as an additional dimension of quality of care, which should change current risk-based approaches for the prevention of SSIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bolten
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - D S Kringos
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - I J B Spijkerman
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - N H Sperna Weiland
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Anaesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Vali M, Salimifard K, Gandomi AH, Chaussalet TJ. Application of job shop scheduling approach in green patient flow optimization using a hybrid swarm intelligence. COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING 2022; 172:108603. [PMID: 36061977 PMCID: PMC9420315 DOI: 10.1016/j.cie.2022.108603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing demand for hospital services amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, allocation of limited public resources and management of healthcare services are of paramount importance. In the field of patient flow scheduling, previous research primarily focused on classical-based objective functions, while ignoring environmental-based objective functions. This study presents a flexible job shop scheduling problem to optimize patient flow and, thereby, minimize the total carbon footprint, as the sustainability-based objective function. Since flexible job shop scheduling is an NP-hard problem, a metaheuristic optimization algorithm, called Chaotic Salp Swarm Algorithm Enhanced with Opposition-Based Learning and Sine Cosine (CSSAOS), was developed. The proposed algorithm integrates the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) with chaotic maps to update the position of followers, the sine cosine algorithm to update the leader position, and opposition-based learning for a better exploration of the search space. generating more accurate solutions. The proposed method was successfully applied in a real-world case study and demonstrated better performance than other well-known metaheuristic algorithms, including differential evolution, genetic algorithm, grasshopper optimization algorithm, SSA based on opposition-based learning, quantum evolutionary SSA, and whale optimization algorithm. In addition, it was found that the proposed method is scalable to different sizes and complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Vali
- Computational Intelligence & Intelligent Research Group, Business & Economics School, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr 75168, Iran
| | - Khodakaram Salimifard
- Computational Intelligence & Intelligent Research Group, Business & Economics School, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr 75168, Iran
| | - Amir H Gandomi
- Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Thierry J Chaussalet
- Health and Social Care Modelling Group, School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
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Ji L, Wang Y, Xie Y, Xu M, Cai Y, Fu S, Ma L, Su X. Potential Life-Cycle Environmental Impacts of the COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Test. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13398-13407. [PMID: 36053337 PMCID: PMC9469759 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Massive diagnostic testing has been performed for appropriate screening and identification of COVID-19 cases in the ongoing global pandemic. However, the environmental impacts of COVID-19 diagnostics have been least considered. In this paper, the environmental impacts of the COVID-19 nucleic acid diagnostics were assessed by following a full cradle-to-grave life-cycle approach. The corresponding life-cycle anthology was established to provide quantitative analysis. Moreover, three alternative scenarios, i.e., material substitution, improved waste treatment, and electric vehicle (EV)-based transportation, were further proposed to discuss the potential environmental mitigation and conservation strategies. It was estimated that the life cycle of a single COVID-19 nucleic acid diagnostic test in China would lead to the emission of 612.9 g CO2 equiv global warming potential. Waste treatment, as a step of life cycle, worsen the environmental impacts such as global warming potential, eutrophication, and ecotoxicity. Meanwhile, diesel-driven transportation was considered as the major contributor to particulate air. Even though COVID-19 diagnostics are of the greatest importance to end the pandemic, their environmental impacts should not be ignored. It is suggested that improved approaches for waste treatment, low-carbon transportation, and a reliable pool sampling strategy are critical for the achievement of sustainable and green diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ji
- School
of Economics and Management, Beijing University
of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yongyang Wang
- Institute
of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yulei Xie
- Institute
of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Ming Xu
- School
for Environment and Sustainability, University
of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Yanpeng Cai
- Institute
of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Shengnan Fu
- College
of Life Science and Technology, Beijing
University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Liang Ma
- China-Japan
Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xin Su
- College
of Life Science and Technology, Beijing
University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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Boberg L, Singh J, Montgomery A, Bentzer P. Environmental impact of single-use, reusable, and mixed trocar systems used for laparoscopic cholecystectomies. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271601. [PMID: 35839237 PMCID: PMC9286249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Climate change is one of the 21st century’s biggest public health issues and health care contributes up to 10% of the emissions of greenhouse gases in developed countries. About 15 million laparoscopic procedures are performed annually worldwide and single-use medical equipment is increasingly used during these procedures. Little is known about costs and environmental footprint of this change in practice. Methods We employed Life Cycle Assessment method to evaluate and compare the environmental impacts of single-use, reusable, and mixed trocar systems used for laparoscopic cholecystectomies at three hospitals in southern Sweden. The environmental impacts were calculated using the IMPACT 2002+ method and a functional unit of 500 procedures. Monte Carlo simulations were used to estimate differences between trocar systems. Data are presented as medians and 2.5th to 97.5th percentiles. Financial costs were calculated using Life Cycle Costing. Results The single-use system had a 182% higher impact on resources than the reusable system [difference: 5160 MJ primary (4400–5770)]. The single-use system had a 379% higher impact on climate change than the reusable system [difference: 446 kg CO2eq (413–483)]. The single-use system had an 83% higher impact than the reusable system on ecosystem quality [difference: 79 PDF*m2*yr (24–112)] and a 240% higher impact on human health [difference: 2.4x10-4 DALY/person/yr (2.2x10-4-2.6x10-4)]. The mixed and single-use systems had a similar environmental impact. Differences between single-use and reusable trocars with regard to resource use and ecosystem quality were found to be sensitive to lower filling of machines in the sterilization process. For ecosystem quality the difference between the two were further sensitive to a 50% decrease in number of reuses, and to using a fossil fuel intensive electricity mix. Differences regarding effects on climate change and human health were robust in the sensitivity analyses. The reusable and mixed trocar systems were approximately half as expensive as the single-use systems (17360 € and 18560 € versus 37600 €, respectively). Conclusion In the Swedish healthcare system the reusable trocar system offers a robust opportunity to reduce both the environmental impact and financial costs for laparoscopic surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn Boberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Jagdeep Singh
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, Faculty of Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Agneta Montgomery
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Division of Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Peter Bentzer
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Anesthesia & Intensive Care Helsingborg Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden
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Qin RX, Velin L, Yates EF, El Omrani O, McLeod E, Tudravu J, Samad L, Woodward A, McClain CD. Building sustainable and resilient surgical systems: A narrative review of opportunities to integrate climate change into national surgical planning in the Western Pacific region. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 22:100407. [PMID: 35243461 PMCID: PMC8881731 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Five billion people lack access to surgical care worldwide; climate change is the biggest threat to human health in the 21st century. This review studies how climate change could be integrated into national surgical planning in the Western Pacific region. We searched databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Global Health) for articles on climate change and surgical care. Findings were categorised using the modified World Health Organisation Health System Building Blocks Framework. 220 out of 2577 records were included. Infrastructure: Operating theatres are highly resource-intensive. Their carbon footprint could be reduced by maximising equipment longevity, improving energy efficiency, and renewable energy use. Service delivery Tele-medicine, outreaches, and avoiding desflurane could reduce emissions. Robust surgical systems are required to adapt to the increasing burden of surgically treated diseases, such as injuries from natural disasters. Finance: Climate change adaptation funds could be mobilised for surgical system strengthening. Information systems: Sustainability should be a key performance indicator for surgical systems. Workforce: Surgical providers could change clinical, institutional, and societal practices. Governance: Planning in surgical care and climate change should be aligned. Climate change mitigation is essential in the regional surgical care scale-up; surgical system strengthening is also necessary for adaptation to climate change.
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Key Words
- CO2, Carbon dioxide
- Climate change
- DALY, Disability-adjusted life year
- FEMAT, Fiji Emergency Medical Assistance Team
- GHG, Greenhouse gas
- HICs, High-income countries
- HVAC, Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- IPCC, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- LCA, Life-cycle analysis
- LCoGS, Lancet Commission on Global Surgery
- LED, Light-emitting diode
- LMICs, Low- and middle-income countries
- NSOAP, National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan
- National health planning
- Natural disasters
- OR, Operating Room
- SOA, Surgical, obstetric, and anaesthesia
- SUD, Single-use device
- Surgical system strengthening
- WASH, Water, sanitation, and hygiene
- Western pacific
- kgCO2e, Kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent
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Affiliation(s)
- Rennie X. Qin
- The Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lotta Velin
- Centre for Teaching and Research in Disaster Medicine and Traumatology (KMC), Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Johannes Magnus väg 11, Linköping 583 30, Sweden
| | - Elizabeth F. Yates
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 1620 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120, USA
| | - Omnia El Omrani
- Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Ramsis Street, Abbassia Square, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Elizabeth McLeod
- Department of Neonatal and Paediatric Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Jemesa Tudravu
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services of Fiji, Dinem House, 88 Amy St, Suva, Fiji
| | - Lubna Samad
- Center for Essential Surgical and Acute Care, IRD Global, 4th Floor, Woodcraft Building, Plot 3 & 3-A, Sector 47, Korangi Creek Road, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Alistair Woodward
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, 22-30 Park Ave, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Craig D. McClain
- The Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Ray SS, Lee HK, Huyen DTT, Chen SS, Kwon YN. Microplastics waste in environment: A perspective on recycling issues from PPE kits and face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION 2022; 26:102290. [PMID: 35036477 PMCID: PMC8748211 DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2022.102290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the extensive use of face masks and protective personal equipment (PPE) kits has led to increasing degree of microplastic pollution (MP) because they are typically discarded into the seas, rivers, streets, and other parts of the environment. Currently, microplastic (MP) pollution has a negative impact on the environment because of high-level fragmentation. Typically, MP pollution can be detected by various techniques, such as microscopic analysis, density separation, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. However, there are limited studies on disposable face masks and PPE kits. A wide range of marine species ingest MPs in the form of fibers and fragments, which directly affect the environment and human health; thus, more research and development are needed on the effect of MP pollution on human health. This article provides a perspective on the origin and distribution of MP pollution in waterbodies (e.g., rivers, ponds, lakes, and seas) and wastewater treatment plants, and reviews the possible remediation of MP pollution related to the excessive disposal of face masks and PPE kits to aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Sinha Ray
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), South Korea
| | - Hyung Kae Lee
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), South Korea
| | - Dao Thi Thanh Huyen
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), South Korea
| | - Shiao-Shing Chen
- Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan
| | - Young-Nam Kwon
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), South Korea
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Rouvière N, Chkair S, Auger F, Alovisetti C, Bernard MJ, Cuvillon P, Kinowski JM, Leguelinel-Blache G, Chasseigne V. Ecoresponsible actions in operating rooms: A health ecological and economic evaluation. Int J Surg 2022; 101:106637. [PMID: 35487421 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2022.106637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the current context of climate change, actions must be taken to improve the hospital's ecological footprint, particularly in the operating room, which is a major consumer of medical devices. METHODS This prospective pilot study assessed the ecological and economic impacts of sustainable actions targeting medical devices designed by a multidisciplinary working group and implemented in the 24 operating rooms of a University Hospital over one year. The ecological analysis was based on the life cycle assessment method and categorized in seven impacts. The economic impact was assessed by a micro-costing analysis and divided in four main expense items: human and material resources, logistics, and waste management. RESULTS In total, 13 actions were implemented with the aim of reducing waste volume, improving waste sorting, and increasing eco-responsible purchases. In one year, these 13 actions allowed avoiding the emission of 203 tons eq CO2. The environmental and human toxicity benefits were 707.8 and 156.2 tons of 1.4 dichlorobenzene, respectively. Concerning non-renewable resources, these actions avoided the extraction of 9 tons of oil (petroleum) and 610 kg of copper per year. These actions led to a land occupation reduction of 1071.3 m2year and to water saving of 552 m3. From the economic side, the implementation of these actions brought a gain of €3747.9 for the first year and of €5188.2 for the following years. CONCLUSION The integration of sustainable measures in operating rooms leads to important ecological benefits and also generating savings. This more eco-responsible approach should be considered in all healthcare establishments that generate a significant annual volume of waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Rouvière
- Department of Pharmacy, Nimes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France
| | - S Chkair
- UA11 Institute Desbrest of Epidemiology and Public Health, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Public Health and Innovation in Methodology, Nimes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France
| | - F Auger
- Primum Non Nocere Agency, Beziers, France
| | - C Alovisetti
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - M J Bernard
- Department of General Surgery, University Hospital of Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - P Cuvillon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University Hospital of Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - J-M Kinowski
- Department of Pharmacy, Nimes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France; UA11 Institute Desbrest of Epidemiology and Public Health, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - G Leguelinel-Blache
- Department of Pharmacy, Nimes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France; UA11 Institute Desbrest of Epidemiology and Public Health, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - V Chasseigne
- Department of Pharmacy, Nimes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France; UA11 Institute Desbrest of Epidemiology and Public Health, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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Choi BJ, Chen CL. The Triple Bottom Line and Stabilization Wedges: A Framework for Perioperative Sustainability. Anesth Analg 2022; 134:475-485. [PMID: 35180164 PMCID: PMC9556165 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000005890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We present a narrative review of environmental sustainability aimed at perioperative clinicians. The review will familiarize readers with the triple bottom line framework, which aims to align the goals of delivering high-quality patient care, promoting environmental sustainability, and improving the financial position of health care organizations. We introduce the stabilization wedges model for climate change action adopted for the perioperative setting and discuss areas in which perioperative leaders can make sustainable choices. The goal of this review is to increase awareness among perioperative physicians of the environmental impacts of surgical and anesthetic care, promote engagement with sustainability efforts as a topic of professional concern for our specialty, and inspire new research in perioperative environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine L. Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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40
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Booth A. Carbon footprint modelling of national health systems: Opportunities, challenges and recommendations. Int J Health Plann Manage 2022; 37:1885-1893. [PMID: 35212060 PMCID: PMC9541808 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Health care presents significant contributions towards climate change. An awareness of a health systems carbon footprint provides a quantification of its environmental impact, an understanding of carbon intensive areas to target with reduction measures and a means of mapping trends in emissions over time. Attempts at calculating the carbon footprint of national health systems are few, predominantly of developed nations, and are limited by data availability and methodological inadequacies. There is a need to mobilise countries to understand the role of health care in contributing towards climate change and for them to start engaging in ongoing calculations of their national health system carbon footprints. There is also a need to improve data availability and information systems to allow for such calculations, especially in developing countries where there may be differences in carbon hotspots. Finally, there is a need for continued improvements in the carbon footprint modelling methodology of health systems as data collection and available emission factors, especially of health care specific products and supply chain emissions, improves. Health systems need to join the global fight against climate change. Climate change is a significant threat to global health. Health systems contribute to climate change. Carbon footprint modelling allows focused decarbonisation of health systems. Improvements in health care data collection for carbon modelling is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Booth
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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White SM, Shelton CL, Gelb AW, Lawson C, McGain F, Muret J, Sherman JD. Principles of environmentally-sustainable anaesthesia: a global consensus statement from the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists. Anaesthesia 2022; 77:201-212. [PMID: 34724710 PMCID: PMC9298028 DOI: 10.1111/anae.15598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Earth's mean surface temperature is already approximately 1.1°C higher than pre-industrial levels. Exceeding a mean 1.5°C rise by 2050 will make global adaptation to the consequences of climate change less possible. To protect public health, anaesthesia providers need to reduce the contribution their practice makes to global warming. We convened a Working Group of 45 anaesthesia providers with a recognised interest in sustainability, and used a three-stage modified Delphi consensus process to agree on principles of environmentally sustainable anaesthesia that are achievable worldwide. The Working Group agreed on the following three important underlying statements: patient safety should not be compromised by sustainable anaesthetic practices; high-, middle- and low-income countries should support each other appropriately in delivering sustainable healthcare (including anaesthesia); and healthcare systems should be mandated to reduce their contribution to global warming. We set out seven fundamental principles to guide anaesthesia providers in the move to environmentally sustainable practice, including: choice of medications and equipment; minimising waste and overuse of resources; and addressing environmental sustainability in anaesthetists' education, research, quality improvement and local healthcare leadership activities. These changes are achievable with minimal material resource and financial investment, and should undergo re-evaluation and updates as better evidence is published. This paper discusses each principle individually, and directs readers towards further important references.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. M. White
- Department of AnaesthesiaUniversity Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation TrustBrightonUK
| | - C. L. Shelton
- Department of AnaesthesiaWythenshawe HospitalManchester University NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
- Lancaster Medical SchoolFaculty of Health and MedicineLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
| | - A. W. Gelb
- Department of Anesthesia and Peri‐operative CareUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - C. Lawson
- Royal Victoria InfirmaryNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - F. McGain
- Departments of Anaesthesia and Intensive CareWestern HealthMelbourneVic.Australia
- Department of Critical CareUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - J. Muret
- Departments of Anaesthesia and Intensive CareInstitut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - J. D. Sherman
- Yale School of Medicine and Associate Professor of Epidemiology in Environmental Health SciencesYale School of Public HealthNew HavenCTUSA
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Rizan C, Bhutta MF. Environmental impact and life cycle financial cost of hybrid (reusable/single-use) instruments versus single-use equivalents in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Surg Endosc 2022; 36:4067-4078. [PMID: 34559257 PMCID: PMC9085686 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-021-08728-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hybrid surgical instruments contain both single-use and reusable components, potentially bringing together advantages from both approaches. The environmental and financial costs of such instruments have not previously been evaluated. METHODS We used Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of hybrid laparoscopic clip appliers, scissors, and ports used for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, comparing these with single-use equivalents. We modelled this using SimaPro and ReCiPe midpoint and endpoint methods to determine 18 midpoint environmental impacts including the carbon footprint, and three aggregated endpoint impacts. We also conducted life cycle cost analysis of products, taking into account unit cost, decontamination, and disposal costs. RESULTS The environmental impact of using hybrid instruments for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy was lower than single-use equivalents across 17 midpoint environmental impacts, with mean average reductions of 60%. The carbon footprint of using hybrid versions of all three instruments was around one-quarter of single-use equivalents (1756 g vs 7194 g CO2e per operation) and saved an estimated 1.13 e-5 DALYs (disability adjusted life years, 74% reduction), 2.37 e-8 species.year (loss of local species per year, 76% reduction), and US $ 0.6 in impact on resource depletion (78% reduction). Scenario modelling indicated that environmental performance of hybrid instruments was better even if there was low number of reuses of instruments, decontamination with separate packaging of certain instruments, decontamination using fossil-fuel-rich energy sources, or changing carbon intensity of instrument transportation. Total financial cost of using a combination of hybrid laparoscopic instruments was less than half that of single-use equivalents (GBP £131 vs £282). CONCLUSION Adoption of hybrid laparoscopic instruments could play an important role in meeting carbon reduction targets for surgery and also save money.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantelle Rizan
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK ,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK ,Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, Oxford, UK ,Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK
| | - Mahmood F. Bhutta
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK ,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK ,BMA Medical Fair and Ethical Trade Group, British Medical Association, London, UK
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Reducing the Environmental Impact of Sterilization Packaging for Surgical Instruments in the Operating Room: A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable versus Reusable Systems. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su14010430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of single-use polypropylene packaging for sterilization of surgical instruments (blue wrap) results in enormous environmental pollution and plastic waste, estimated at 115 million kilograms on a yearly basis in the United States alone. Rigid sterilization containers (RSCs) are a well-known alternative in terms of quality and price. This paper deals with two research questions investigating the following aspects: (A) the environmental advantage of RCS for high volumes (5000 use cycles) in big hospitals, and (B) the environmental break-even point of use-cycles for small hospitals. An in-depth life cycle assessment was used to benchmark the two systems. As such a benchmark is influenced by the indicator system, three indicator systems were applied: (a) carbon footprint, (b) ReCiPe, and (c) eco-costs. The results are as follows: (1) the analyzed RSC has 85% less environmental impact in carbon footprint, 52% in ReCiPe, and 84.5% in eco-costs; and (2) an ecological advantage already occurs after 98, 228, and 67 out of 5000 use cycles, respectively. Given these two alternative packaging systems with comparable costs and quality, our results show that there are potentially large environmental gains to be made when RSC is preferred to blue wrap as a packaging system for sterile surgical instruments on a global scale.
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Tao Y, You F. Can decontamination and reuse of N95 respirators during COVID-19 pandemic provide energy, environmental, and economic benefits? APPLIED ENERGY 2021; 304:117848. [PMID: 34539038 PMCID: PMC8437808 DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The widespread COVID-19 pandemic led to a shortage in the supply of N95 respirators in the United States until May 2021. In this study, we address the energy, environmental, and economic benefits of the decontamination-and-reuse of the N95 masks. Two popular decontamination methods, including dry heat and vapor hydrogen peroxide (VHP), are investigated in this study for their effective pathogen inactivation and favorable performance in preserving filtration efficiency and structural integrity of respirators. Two multiple reuse cases, under which the N95 masks are disinfected and used five times with the dry heat method and 20 times using the VHP method, are considered and compared with a single-use case. Compared to the single-use case, the dry heat-based multiple-use case reduces carbon footprint by 50% and cumulative energy demand (CED) by 17%, while the VHP-based case decreases carbon footprint by 67% and CED by 58%. The dry-heat-based and VHP-based multiple reuse cases also present environmental benefits in most of the other impact categories, primarily due to substituting new N95 respirators with decontaminated ones. Decontaminating and reusing respirators costs 77% and 89% less than the case of single-use and disposal. The sensitivity analysis results show that the geographical variation in the power grid and the times of respirator use are the most influential factors for carbon footprint and CED, respectively. The result also reaffirms the energy, environmental, and economic favorability of the decontamination and reuse of N95 respirators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Tao
- Systems Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Fengqi You
- Systems Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Kim JH. Global climate change and the role of anesthesiologist. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 2021. [DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2021.64.12.794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Environmental issues and health problems related to global climate change are becoming increasingly serious. An effective eco-friendly strategy is required to reduce medical waste and greenhouse gas emissions caused by anesthesia in hospitals.Current Concepts: Inhalation anesthetics are very strong greenhouse gases in the order of desflurane, isoflurane, nitrous oxide, and sevoflurane. Anesthetics with high global warming potential and long atmospheric lifetimes should be used with caution. Only the minimum required dose of an anesthetic drug with a low persistence bioaccumulation toxicity index is recommended for use. Disposable anesthesia products are known to have a low purchase price and low risk of cross-contamination; however, this may not be the case. By using eco-friendly anesthetic supplies, recycling and reuse, we can avoid wasting money and resources.Discussion and Conclusion: Greenhouse gas emissions from the use of anesthetics are excluded from United Nations regulations due to their necessity. However, while guaranteeing patient safety, anesthesiologists must fulfill their professional ethical obligations by striving to reduce medical waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Carbon Footprint of General, Regional, and Combined Anesthesia for Total Knee Replacements. Anesthesiology 2021; 135:976-991. [PMID: 34529033 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000003967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care itself contributes to climate change. Anesthesia is a "carbon hotspot," yet few data exist to compare anesthetic choices. The authors examined the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, and combined (general and spinal anesthesia) during a total knee replacement. METHODS A prospective life cycle assessment of 10 patients in each of three groups undergoing knee replacements was conducted in Melbourne, Australia. The authors collected input data for anesthetic items, gases, and drugs, and electricity for patient warming and anesthetic machine. Sevoflurane or propofol was used for general anesthesia. Life cycle assessment software was used to convert inputs to their carbon footprint (in kilogram carbon dioxide equivalent emissions), with modeled international comparisons. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients were studied. The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for general anesthesia were an average 14.9 (95% CI, 9.7 to 22.5) kg carbon dioxide equivalent emissions; spinal anesthesia, 16.9 (95% CI, 13.2 to 20.5) kg carbon dioxide equivalent; and for combined anesthesia, 18.5 (95% CI, 12.5 to 27.3) kg carbon dioxide equivalent. Major sources of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions across all approaches were as follows: electricity for the patient air warmer (average at least 2.5 kg carbon dioxide equivalent [20% total]), single-use items, 3.6 (general anesthesia), 3.4 (spinal), and 4.3 (combined) kg carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, respectively (approximately 25% total). For the general anesthesia and combined groups, sevoflurane contributed an average 4.7 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (35% total) and 3.1 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (19%), respectively. For spinal and combined, washing and sterilizing reusable items contributed 4.5 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (29% total) and 4.1 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (24%) emissions, respectively. Oxygen use was important to the spinal anesthetic carbon footprint (2.8 kg carbon dioxide equivalent, 18%). Modeling showed that intercountry carbon dioxide equivalent emission variability was less than intragroup variability (minimum/maximum). CONCLUSIONS All anesthetic approaches had similar carbon footprints (desflurane and nitrous oxide were not used for general anesthesia). Rather than spinal being a default low carbon approach, several choices determine the final carbon footprint: using low-flow anesthesia/total intravenous anesthesia, reducing single-use plastics, reducing oxygen flows, and collaborating with engineers to augment energy efficiency/renewable electricity. EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE
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Regulating Environmental Impact of Medical Devices in the United Kingdom—A Scoping Review. PROSTHESIS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/prosthesis3040033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Medical devices are highly regulated to ensure safety and efficacy of the products and minimize the risk of harm to users and patients. However, the broader impacts of these devices on the environment have scarcely been questioned until recently. The United Kingdom National Health Service intends to achieve a “net zero” emissions service by 2040 and has identified specific targets to achieve through this process. However, medical device manufacturers do not see sufficient incentives to invest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions unless enforced by legislation. Furthermore, there is little evidence on the legislation required to reduce emissions from medical devices. This study addresses the relationship of medical device regulations and the environmental impact of the devices throughout their lifecycle. A scoping review was conducted on academic literature on the topic, followed by a critical review of the current medical device regulations and associated guidelines in the United Kingdom. The challenges to regulating environmental impact of medical devices were identified under seven themes. These challenges were contextualized with the National Health Service target of achieving zero emissions by 2040. The review indicates that current guidelines support single-use disposal of devices and equipment as the best approach to prevent pathogen transmission and landfilling and incineration are the most used waste management strategies. Manufacturers need to be guided and educated on reducing their emissions while ensuring the development of safe and effective devices.
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Lee R, Nader D. Practical environmental considerations in anesthesia practice. J Clin Anesth 2021; 79:110522. [PMID: 34598863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2021.110522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, University at Buffalo, United States.
| | - D Nader
- Department of Anesthesiology, University at Buffalo, United States
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Grimmond TR, Bright A, Cadman J, Dixon J, Ludditt S, Robinson C, Topping C. Before/after intervention study to determine impact on life-cycle carbon footprint of converting from single-use to reusable sharps containers in 40 UK NHS trusts. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046200. [PMID: 34580089 PMCID: PMC8477330 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare global warming potential (GWP) of hospitals converting from single-use sharps containers to reusable sharps containers (SSC, RSC). Does conversion to RSC result in GWP reduction? DESIGN Using BS PAS 2050:2011 principles, a retrospective, before/after intervention quantitative model together with a purpose-designed, attributional 'cradle-to-grave' life-cycle tool, were used to determine the annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the two sharps containment systems. Functional unit was total fill line litres (FLL) of sharps containers needed to dispose of sharps for 1-year period in 40 trusts. Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions were included. Results were workload-normalised using National Health Service (NHS) national hospital patient-workload indicators. A sensitivity analysis examined areas of data variability. SETTING Acute care hospital trusts in UK. PARTICIPANTS 40 NHS hospital Trusts using RSC. INTERVENTION Conversion from SSC to RSC. SSC and RSC usage details in 17 base line trusts immediately prior to 2018 were applied to the RSC usage details of the 40 trusts using RSC in 2019. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE The comparison of GWP calculated in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) generated in the manufacture, transport, service and disposal of 12 months, hospital-wide usage of both containment systems in the 40 trusts. RESULTS The 40 trusts converting to RSC reduced their combined annual GWP by 3267.4 tonnes CO2e (-83.9%); eliminated incineration of 900.8 tonnes of plastic; eliminated disposal/recycling of 132.5 tonnes of cardboard and reduced container exchanges by 61.1%. GHG as kg CO2e/1000 FLL were 313.0 and 50.7 for SSC and RSC systems, respectively. A sensitivity analysis showed substantial GHG reductions within unit processes could be achieved, however, their impact on relevant final GWP comparison varied <5% from base comparison. CONCLUSIONS Adopting RSC is an example of a sustainable purchasing decision that can assist trusts meet NHS GHG reduction targets and can reduce GWP permanently with minimal staff behavioural change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Bright
- Sustainability West Midlands, Birmingham, UK
| | - June Cadman
- Waste Management & Environmental Services, Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, Rotherham, UK
| | - James Dixon
- Sustainability, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sally Ludditt
- Health, Safety and Environmental, Derbyshire Support and Facilities Services Limited, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Chesterfield, UK
| | - Clive Robinson
- Sustainable Development, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Clare Topping
- Energy and Sustainability, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Northampton, UK
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Gordon IO, Sherman JD, Leapman M, Overcash M, Thiel CL. Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Gastrointestinal Biopsies in a Surgical Pathology Laboratory. Am J Clin Pathol 2021; 156:540-549. [PMID: 33822876 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqab021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Given adverse health effects of climate change and contributions of the US health care sector to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, environmentally sustainable delivery of care is needed. We applied life cycle assessment to quantify GHGs associated with processing a gastrointestinal biopsy in order to identify emissions hotspots and guide mitigation strategies. METHODS The biopsy process at a large academic pathology laboratory was grouped into steps. Each supply and reagent was catalogued and postuse treatment noted. Energy consumption was estimated for capital equipment. Two common scenarios were considered: 1 case with 1 specimen jar (scenario 1) and 1 case with 3 specimen jars (scenario 2). RESULTS Scenario 1 generated 0.29 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents (kg CO2e), whereas scenario 2 resulted in 0.79 kg CO2e-equivalent to 0.7 and 2.0 miles driven, respectively. The largest proportion of GHGs (36%) in either scenario came from the tissue processor step. The second largest contributor (19%) was case accessioning, mostly attributable to production of single-use disposable jars. CONCLUSIONS Applied to more than 20 million biopsies performed in the US annually, emissions from biopsy processing is equivalent to yearly GHG emissions from 1,200 passenger cars. Mitigation strategies may include modification of surveillance guidelines to include the number of specimen jars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilyssa O Gordon
- Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jodi D Sherman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael Leapman
- Department of Urology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Cassandra L Thiel
- Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
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