e-Article
Are we ready for "green surgery" to promote environmental sustainability in the operating room? Results from the WSES STAR investigation.
Document Type
Article
Author
Dal Mas, Francesca; Cobianchi, Lorenzo; Piccolo, Daniele; Balch, Jeremy; Biancuzzi, Helena; Biffl, Walter L.; Campostrini, Stefano; Cicuttin, Enrico; Coccolini, Federico; Damaskos, Dimitris; Filiberto, Amanda C.; Filisetti, Claudia; Fraga, Gustavo; Frassini, Simone; Fugazzola, Paola; Hardcastle, Timothy; Kaafarani, Haytham M.; Kluger, Yoran; Massaro, Maurizio; Martellucci, Jacopo
Source
Subject
*SUSTAINABILITY
*OPERATING rooms
*HOSPITAL emergency services
*SOCIAL media
*SURGEONS
*PUBLIC administration
*SURVEYS
*PSYCHOSOCIAL factors
*WOUNDS & injuries
*PATIENT care
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Language
ISSN
1749-7922
Abstract
Background: The importance of environmental sustainability is acknowledged in all sectors, including healthcare. To meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda, healthcare will need a paradigm shift toward more environmentally sustainable practices that will also impact clinical decision-making. The study investigates trauma and emergency surgeons' perception, acceptance, and employment of environmentally friendly habits. Methods: An online survey based on the most recent literature regarding environmental sustainability in healthcare and surgery was created by a multidisciplinary committee and endorsed by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES). The survey was advertised to the 917 WSES members through the society's website and Twitter/X profile. Results: 450 surgeons from 55 countries participated in the survey. Results underline both a generally positive attitude toward environmental sustainability but also a lack of knowledge about several concepts and practices, especially concerning the potential contribution to patient care. Discussion: The topic of environmental sustainability in healthcare and surgery is still in its infancy. There is a clear lack of salient guidance and knowledge, and there is a critical need for governments, institutions, health agencies, and scientific societies to promote, disseminate, and report environmentally friendly initiatives and their potential impacts while employing an interdisciplinary approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]