An innovative sanification system in the Operating Theatre with a focus on sustainability

Abstract

Background and Objective: Protecting and promoting public health at a national and global level is a challenge of the medical and scientific societies, that work together in their respective and multidisciplinary fields to promote a healthy world and build a more sustainable future. To guarantee an effective reduced contamination of the Operating Theatre and reduce the environmental impact, the Salerno University- School of Medicine has founded the Green Operating Theatre group, to work together to reduce the footprint of the perioperative environment and enhance the sanification performance of the healthcare system. Methods: Our group has developed a Green Operating Theatre agenda to follow along on the sustainability journey, aimed at implementing: innovative sanification procedures, waste reduction, anesthesia gas management and energy use improvement. Our first action was to reduce mishandled noninfectious waste in OR, in particular the use of disposable shoes covers, for patients and health care workers, since they not only produce non-recyclable waste but are not sufficiently effective at reducing contamination. Results: We implemented the use of a shoes sanitizing station, a system which, through ozone gas and UV light, sterilizes health personnels’ shoes at each OR access. This particular system not only guarantee an effective reduced contamination of the Operating Theatre but leads to lower environmental burden with the management of noninfectious waste, thus combining clinical needs and sustainability considerations. Conclusions: This approach is aimed at increasing the level of sanitation of the operating theatres and the healthcare settings, underling a renewed interest in environmentally sound and sustainable sanification practice.