Sustainability interventions in nursing wards
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.”
Intervention
Reduce the use of linen by only using or changing it when necessary.
Environmental impact
Lower environmental impact (measured in CO₂ emissions) through the reduction in the number of kilograms of linen washed.
Implementation approach
- Look at the approach for reducing the use of a product.
- In the implementation plan, describe alternatives, such as situations where smaller linen items are sufficient (for example, using a washcloth instead of a towel).
- Evaluate how often beds are changed and whether this can be reduced. The current recommendation is to change bed linen daily for bedridden patients and weekly for non-bedridden patients.² Include this in the implementation plan.
- 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 is achieved, where less linen is used compared to before the implementation, and the difference in CO₂-equivalent (kg) has been calculated.
How is this measured?
- Determine the number of linen items based on the linen order overview. Linen items can include: sheets, pillowcases, blankets, flat sheets, towels, washcloths, patient gowns/pyjamas, and any other items applicable to the hospital.
- Use the linen input tool* to calculate the total weight of the linen items.
- Fill in the environmental impact calculation tool**.
- Note: Other interventions may affect the results of this one. If the "Reducing washing of unused (clean) linen" intervention is implemented simultaneously, it may enhance the calculated environmental impact. If the "Reducing the use of cellulose mats" intervention is implemented simultaneously, it may reduce the calculated environmental impact due to increased use of linen. Implement the interventions "Reducing unused linen washing" and "Reducing the use of cellulose mats" at different times to accurately measure the effect of this intervention.
Resources
There are no inspirational resources available yet. Has your hospital already implemented this intervention and would you like to share your experience? Please contact the Together for greener healthcare programme.
Footnotes
- V&VN (Mei 2023). ‘Beter Laten’ aanbevelingen (n = 64) | Ziekenhuis
- Werkgroep Infectie Preventie (2014). Richtlijn Linnengoed.
* Linen input tool follows
** The environmental impact calculation tool follows
Resultaten
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View our other interventions
Nursing practice
Replacing IV lines every seven days
IV lines, the part of the infusion system that remains outside the body and connects to the intravenous catheter, are currently replaced every four days to prevent infections. Research shows that replacing IV systems every seven days does not increase the risk of infection. This saves materials and time for nurses.
ADL
Ruducing 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.
