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 absorbent mats by only using them when necessary.
Environmental impact
Measured in CO₂ emissions, based on the reduction in the number of absorbent mats used.
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.
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.
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 do-not-do recommendations1 advises: “Avoid or limit unnecessary layers underneath the patient, such as linen, positioning materials, cellulose mats, incontinence materials, clothing, and bedding.”
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.
Monitoring parameters
Reducing blood testing
Blood samples are an essential part of patient care, but they also generate waste and take time. Nurses play an important role at the start of this process and, together with physicians and nurse specialists, can explore ways to reduce the number of blood samples performed.
