Sustainability interventions in nursing wards
ADL
Reducing the use of cellulose mats
Disposable cellulose mats are designed to absorb large amounts of body fluids from patients. In practice, they are also used for other purposes, such as wiping up spilled liquids on the floor. In many cases, a towel or collection tray will suffice. Because of their high consumption in hospitals, cellulose mats have a significant environmental impact1.
Intervention
Reduce the use of cellulose mats by only using them when necessary.
Environmental impact
Measured in CO₂ emissions, based on the reduction in the number of cellulose mats used.
Implementation approach
- Refer to the approach for reducing the use of a product.
- In the implementation plan, describe possible alternatives and encourage awareness by, for example, storing cellulose mats less visibly than towels. Place a poster near the separate stock of cellulose mats with the message: “Do you really need me, or could you use a towel instead?”
- Consult the step-by-step guide for more information on setting goals, implementation, and evaluation.
When is it implemented?
This intervention is considered implemented when the set goal has been achieved, with fewer cellulose mats being used compared to before the implementation, and the difference in CO₂-equivalent (kg) has been calculated.
How this is measured?
The environmental impact of this intervention can be determined using purchasing data for the number of cellulose mats, see Measuring an intervention using purchasing data.
Note: Other interventions may affect the results. If the "Washable underlay" intervention is implemented at the same time, it may influence the purchasing data for cellulose mats. Implement the "Washable underlay" intervention after the implementation of this intervention to measure the effect accurately.
Resources
Click here for an example of avoiding (refuse) and reducing (reduce) cellulose mats at UMCG.
Footnotes
- Dutch Federation of University Medical Centers (June 2024). National survey of medical disposables at UMCs.
Resultaten
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View our other interventions
ADL
Reducing linen use
Linen is used for many different purposes. Reducing linen use is not only better for the environment but also benefits patients by helping to prevent pressure ulcers. The Beter Laten list1 advises: “Avoid or limit unnecessary layers underneath the patient, such as linen, positioning materials, cellulose mats, incontinence materials, clothing, and bedding.”
Nursing interventions
Reducing maintenance IV flow rate
A maintenance IV with NaCl 0.9% at a flow rate of 5 ml/hour is often used to keep the IV line open for patients not receiving intravenous medication. Reducing the pump rate to 2 ml/hour lowers NaCl 0.9% use, allowing for smaller infusion bags or less frequent bag replacement. This is more sustainable and reduces material consumption.
General resources
Reducing glove use
Nurses use large quantities of non-sterile gloves during patient care. There are three situations where gloves are required: 1) when caring for patients in isolation 2) when there is a risk of contact with mucous membranes or bodily fluids 3) when preparing certain medications. Wearing gloves as a standard practice is not recommended1. Due to the high consumption rates in hospitals, gloves have a considerable environmental impact2.
Monitoring parameters
Reusable transport bag for laboratory samples
Nurses collect various samples for diagnostic testing. For transport to the laboratory, different single-use containers such as cups, bags, or kidney trays are currently used and then discarded. A reusable transport container is a more sustainable alternative.
