Journal of Clinical Nursing

Segregation and Recycling in the Operating Room. An Intervention to Accelerate the Decarbonisation Process in the Health Sector

ABSTRACT

Aim

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.

Methods

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).

Results

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.

Conclusion

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.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nurses can lead this type of project with a clear impact on both the institution and the environment.

Impact

Reduction of the carbon footprint in the operating room increased satisfaction among professionals for contributing to environmental improvement.

Reporting Method

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.

Patient or Public Contribution

N/A. Only professionals are involved in this study.