FP8.1 - Environmental Sustainability and Surgery: what are the attitudes and barriers to implementing sustainable change in operating theatres? A Qualitative Study

Abstract Aims Sustainability in surgery is an increasingly important focus in the bid to halt climate change. This study aimed to better understand how environmentally sustainable change can be made in theatre environments by exploring attitudes of healthcare professionals and patients, and identifying barriers to implementing change. Methods A mixed-method qualitative study was undertaken involving a national survey of 157 healthcare professionals (HCP’s), and follow-up semi-structured interviews with ten HCP’s and five patients. Participants were targeted via the survey and public engagement mailing lists. Interviews were informed by a topic guide developed with responses from the survey. Data were analysed thematically and presented as major topic themes. Results 100% of participants agreed that operating theatres needed to make sustainable changes and reduce waste. Respondents understanding of the key issues centred around physical waste production and its effect on climate change. HCP’s identified issues around infection prevention and challenging current behaviour, whilst patients focused on maintaining current standards. Barriers to change included safety concerns, current clinical pressures, single-use culture and the perceived resistance to change within the NHS. HCP’s identified staff habits, lack of information and patient expectations as a barrier, whilst patients identified cost to be the main issue. Conclusions This study provides key insights into the current attitudes and perceived barriers of HCP’s and patients to implementing environmental change in surgery and aligned working environments. These provide useful data to aid future change strategies and implementation and ensure effective sustainable changes are made and delivered in theatre environments.