Sustainability interventions in nursing wards
ADL
Reducing absorbent mat use
Disposable absorbent 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, absorbent mats have a significant environmental impact1.
Intervention
Reduce the use of fiber mats by only using fiber mats when there is an indication for this.
Implementation approach
- Look at the approach for reducing the use of a product.
- In the implementation plan, describe possible alternatives and encourage awareness by, for example, storing absorbent mats less visibly than towels. Place a poster near the separate stock of absorbent mats with the message: “Note: only use absorbent pads to collect large amounts of moisture.”
- Consult the step-by-step guide for more information on setting goals, implementation, and evaluation.
Environmental impact
Measured in CO2 -emissions by reducing the number of fiber mats. Want to know more about the environmental impact? See the bottom of this page for more information.
The environmental impact has been calculated for one cellulose mat
- 1 cellulose mat 60x60 cm, 28 grams = 0.202 kg CO2-eq
- 1 cellulose mat 60x60 cm, 40 grams = 0.266 kg CO2-eq
Two types of fiber mats were calculated: one 28-gram fiber mat with 330 grams of absorbency and one 40-gram fiber mat with 570 grams of absorbency.
Reducing 100 fiber mats saves
20-27
kg CO2-eq
and is equivalent to driving 103 to 139 km
When was it implemented?
This intervention is considered implemented when the set goal has been achieved, with fewer absorbent mats being used compared to before the implementation, and the difference in CO₂ equivalent (kg) has been calculated.
How is this measured?
The environmental impact of this intervention can be determined using purchasing data for the number of absorbent mats, see Measuring an intervention using purchasing data.
Note: Other interventions may affect the results. If the “Washable underpad” 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 gentleman 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.
View our other interventions
Verpleegkundig handelen
Non-sterile bladder catheter insertion
Since July 2024, bladder catheterisation may be performed using the new ‘no-touch technique’. In this method, non-sterile gloves are used, and the genital area is cleaned with tap water. This more sustainable approach requires fewer sterile materials and saves time, as the procedure can be performed by a single nurse. With this intervention, nurses put the new guideline into practice.
General resources
Paper medication cup
Medication is often administered several times a day in plastic cups, which generates a large amount of waste. Paper medication cups suitable for liquids (containing less than 5% plastic) offer a more sustainable alternative. In some cases, however, a plastic cup remains necessary, for example when crushing medication.
Nursing practice
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.
