Injectomat versus Infusomat in Day Surgery. A prospective, mixed-methods observational project, investigating which procedure is most sustainable

Background:Anaesthesia procedures can impact both environmental sustainability and the physical health of healthcare professionals.At Aarhus University hospitals Day Surgery Department,nurse anaesthetists reported finger pain and discomfort associated with frequent manual syringe preparation using injectomat.The aim was to compare the environmental impact,cost,and ergonomic workflow of two anaesthesia delivery procedures:injectomat (syringe pumps) or infusomat (drop counters). Method:We conducted a prospective,mixed-method observational study over 16 weeks,to investigate the difference of the two anaesthesia procedures.Anaesthesia nurse (n = 22) alternated between using injectomat and infusomat in two 8 week periods.Quantitative data were collected via daily utensil logs and the Disabilities of the arms,shoulders and hands questionnaire at weeks 1,4,and 8 of each period.Life Cycle Assessment was used to calculate the CO_2e emissions of the utensils involved. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for qualitative insight. Results: Using infusomat reduced the daily amount of utensil used by 41,6%, resulting in a 13,6% cost reduction and a 33,42% decrease in CO_2e emissions. Disabilities of the arms, shoulders and hands scores improved by 25,97% in week 1,12,8% in week 4, and 25% in week 8 during the infusomat period. Interviewed nurse anaesthetists reported significantly less strain on hands and fingers. Conclusion: Infusomat offer a more sustainable alternative to injectomat in anaesthesia for short procedures.They reduce utensil consumption, lower CO_2e emissions, and improve nurse anaesthetists’ physical comfort. Further research is recommended in settings with longer procedures to assess generalizability and long-term effects.