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
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.
Nursing practice
Using the same infusion sets on every ward
When hospital departments use different IV systems, IV lines may need to be replaced when a patient is transferred because the systems are not compatible. This leads to unnecessary waste, takes additional time, and can cause discomfort for the patient. A single, standardised IV system prevents this.
