Exploring Anaesthesia Licence Students’ Knowledge of the Green Operating Room to Inform Prototype Development

The climate change, the growing accumulation of waste, and the excessive consumption of natural resources highlight the urgent need to embed sustainable development principles within healthcare systems. The operating room, considered the core of hospital activity, is also one of the most polluting units. In this context, the present study was designed to analyze anaesthesia students’ pre-acquired knowledge regarding environmentally responsible practices in order to identify gaps and promote the integration of sustainable strategies into medical education. A prospective analytical study was conducted over an eight-week period (January–March 2023) with second- and third-year anaesthesia students (n=150) at Université Centrale, using an anonymous online quiz comprising 13 items covering bio-cleaning, waste management, air treatment, and greenhouse gas emissions. Results indicated that while a majority of students were familiar with certain eco-responsible practices such as bio-cleaning procedures and the labelling of yellow waste bags, substantial deficiencies persisted. Only 44% recognized that waste sorting must occur at the source, and less than 20% identified desflurane as the anaesthetic agent with the highest global warming potential. Knowledge of air treatment systems and greenhouse gas management also remained limited, reflecting a need for targeted training. To translate these findings into practical action, a 3D prototype of a “Green Operating Room” was developed using 3DS MAX software and aligned with international guidelines. The prototype integrates concrete eco-responsible solutions, including a color-coded waste sorting system with automated chutes, awareness posters on anaesthetic gas emissions, and environmentally friendly architectural design. Serving as both an educational and awareness-raising tool, this prototype provides a replicable model that connects theoretical knowledge with real-world application. In conclusion, the study underscores the necessity of incorporating sustainability modules into anaesthesia curricula and demonstrates how a digital prototype can bridge knowledge gaps while fostering eco-responsible behaviour among future healthcare professionals. By linking environmental education with practical innovation, the project contributes to advancing sustainable practices in healthcare and offers a pathway for developing greener operating rooms.