FP8.7 - Standardising Sustainability: Towards reducing single-use items in elective surgery

Abstract Aims To examine the prevalence of single-use items routinely given to patients undergoing surgery in 5 hospitals within a single health board and to propose interventions to improve environmental sustainability. Methods Systems in five hospitals were examined. Patients were shadowed through their pre and post-operative journey, observing the distribution of single-use items at each stage. Structured interviews were conducted with 52 patients and 79 nursing staff across the 5 sites. Results Process maps produced for each hospital found large variability in items given out routinely at each site e.g. disposable underwear, anti-slip socks, scrub hats, plastic storage bags and cups 85% of patients cared about the negative environmental impact of healthcare. The majority felt that disposable hats (65%), underwear (71%) and socks (75%) were unnecessary. Only 1 patient was against bringing their own items. 84% of staff thought an overuse of single-use items existed. However, most staff felt that disposable items were necessary sometimes. 84% though it was acceptable for patients to bring in reusable dressing gown, slippers, and water bottles. Exploring potential barriers to using patients’ own items identified concerns around infection control, hygiene, and losing patient’s items. Conclusions Unnecessary variation in disposable item use in the surgical journey exists between hospitals. Patients and nursing staff agree that too many single-use items are used. Use of disposable items should be standardised and minimised to reduce waste, cost and improve environmental sustainability. Pre-operative instructions to patients should include bringing their own bags, slippers and water bottles.