Conectar
Commentary on: Kristiansen D, Boyle EH, Svec J. The impact of local supply of popular contraceptives on women’s use of family planning: findings from performance-monitoring-for-action in seven sub-Saharan African countries. Reprod Health. 2023 Nov 21;20(1):171.
Implications for practice and research The concept of ‘demand’ and ‘supply’, from the perspective of individual preferences shaped by cultural and societal norms, can be incorporated by health practitioners and policymakers when addressing the root causes of unmet health needs. Understanding women’s empowerment and agency in family planning requires a rights-based community-engaged research approach. Community-level data can illuminate the underlying mechanisms of healthcare utilisation preferences.
The issue of unmet contraceptive needs remains a gap in global healthcare, despite various contraceptive options available now more than ever.
To evaluate the impact of a multilevel intervention in a surgical department on the segregation of non-hazardous healthcare waste (plastic and paper) during the perioperative period as well as its effect on the carbon footprint of the healthcare organisation.
A prospective before–after interventional study without a control group was carried out in the operating room of the Universitary Hospital Mútua Terrassa in Catalonia (Spain). A multilevel programme to improve the segregation process during the surgical interventions was implemented in several phases from May 2023 to December 2024. Data collection was conducted in each phase of the study through questionnaires addressed to the professionals along with calculations of the carbon footprint and the volume of waste segregation. The study is framed within the socio-ecological model and employs a collaborative design. The study population included all professionals working in the operating room (n = 320).
A multidisciplinary team was formed with consideration for all stakeholders. The project phases were implemented consecutively. A total of 141 professionals (44.4%) completed the baseline questionnaire. As a result of the project's development, the carbon footprint has been reduced to 79.1 kg CO2 eq/week, representing an 85% reduction in emissions.
The implementation of the recycling project has led to significant reductions in the amount of waste generated and it has been positively evaluated by the professionals.
The benefits of fostering a behavioural change among the professionals, coupled with the implementation of a well-designed segregation and recycling system, lead to significant benefits for the institution in carbon footprint.
Nurses can lead this type of project with a clear impact on both the institution and the environment.
Reduction of the carbon footprint in the operating room increased satisfaction among professionals for contributing to environmental improvement.
The reporting of intervention evaluation studies using nonrandomized designs: the TREND statement Des Jarlais et al. (2004) was used to evaluate the quality of the study.
N/A. Only professionals are involved in this study.
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