Knowledge, attitude, and practices of operating theatre staff towards environmentally sustainable practices in the operating theatres
link.springer.com shows its articles on its own site.
Read the article on link.springer.com ↗Article · Mar 2023 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
This survey of 149 operating theatre staff found that while healthcare workers demonstrate positive attitudes toward environmental sustainability, 69% were unwilling to change current practices. The study reveals a critical gap between knowledge and implementation, with particular resistance to replacing traditional hand scrubbing with alcohol-based alternatives, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Background
Successful implementation of environmentally sustainable practices in the operating theatre (OT) requires stakeholder engagement. We evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of OT users in our institution towards sustainable practices in the OT.
Methods
A survey was conducted among OT users in August 2022. Respondents completed a 44-question anonymised online survey covering sustainability in (1) knowledge, (2) attitude, (3) practice, and (4) proposed changes to current practices. Points were assigned to knowledge (15 points) and attitude (40 points) sections. Practice was evaluated based on proportion of measures practiced. Appropriate statistical tests were used, with significance p < 0.05. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) or proportion (%).
Results
Among 149 respondents were doctors (n = 76), non-doctors (n = 45), and medical students (n = 28). Doctors scored highest in knowledge of sustainability (8.58 ± 1.83) compared to non-doctors and medical students (7.62 ± 1.75, 8.39 ± 1.87). Positive attitudes towards sustainability correlated with years of experience (p < 0.01). Non-doctors were more likely to practice sustainable measures, versus doctors (61 vs 52%, p < 0.01). Most (69%) respondents were unwilling to adopt any practice changes. The least popular measure was replacement of standard hand scrubbing with alcohol-based hand rub, considered unsafe by 74% of respondents.
Conclusion
Despite positive attitudes towards sustainable measures, there remains wariness of practice changes, which should be addressed by educational campaigns.