IDDF2024-ABS-0329 A quality improvement project to implement green endoscopy by using PDSA model

<h3>Background</h3> Climate change has affected everyone and has increased health issues for all. Endoscopy is one of the heavy resource centers that produces uncountable waste that leads to greenhouse gases and carbon footprints. Climate change has prompted the need for sustainable practices in healthcare, including endoscopy procedures, which generate substantial waste and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The Green Endoscopy project aims to address this issue through the implementation of the 5Rs framework (reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink, and research) and the PDSA (Plan, do, study, act) model. <h3>Main Objectives</h3> 1. Green Environment 2. Cost-effectiveness 3. Waste reduction 4. Decrease Co2 emissions <h3>Methods</h3> The PDSA (Plan, do, study, act) model was utilized for this project in four phases. Firstly, a multidisciplinary team was formed. They reviewed the current waste and disposable items that are non-biodegradable. <h3>Results</h3> A multidisciplinary team was assembled to assess current waste generation and identify opportunities for improvement. By replacing disposable items with reusable alternatives and optimizing resource utilization, significant reductions in waste production and carbon emissions were achieved. Key outcomes include the elimination of plastic bottles and disposable gowns, as well as the introduction of reusable alternatives for various items such as biopsy forceps and suction equipment. Overall, the project resulted in a monthly carbon footprint saving of 2306kg/month and the institution’s amount of PKR 6357500/month, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of sustainable practices in endoscopy. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The success of this project through the PDSA model allowed the institution to reduce huge amounts of waste, i.e., carbon emissions and cost per month.