Green Anesthesia
Generating over four billion pounds of waste each year, the healthcare system in the United States is the second largest contributor of trash, with one-third produced by operating rooms [1]. Our goal is to work as a multidisciplinary team to implement simple changes within the department that are both cost-saving and waste-reducing. Stanford Health Care and LPCH have been awarded a 2020 Environmental Excellence Award from Practice Greenhealth. Stanford Medical students are also involved in hospital sustainability efforts.
[1] The Green Operating Room: Simple Changes to Reduce Cost and Our Carbon Footprint
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23815997/
Next Areas of Focus
- Re-ordering of reusable laryngoscope blades and handles
- Increase use of low fresh gas flow anesthesia; working with Epic team to develop an intelligent reminder to decrease gas flows when appropriate
- Reusable ECG Leads
- Reduction of redundant or unnecessary blue drape waste
- PVC-free IV tubing/fluid bags
- Reducing unnecessary mepilex use
Green Anesthesia meetings are held every 4 weeks on the first Thursday of the month via Zoom. All faculty, residents, and fellows are welcome and encouraged to attend meetings. New ideas for projects are always welcome!
Questions/Thoughts
Please reach out to our list of members any time: