Sustainability interventions in nursing wards
Nursing interventions
Reusable non-sterile suture removal set
A suture removal set contains sterile disposable materials such as gauze, cotton swabs, tweezers, and scissors or a stitch cutter. The tweezers and scissors do not need to be sterile and can be replaced by clean, reusable ones that are cleaned and disinfected. This means the final sterilisation step is omitted after cleaning and disinfection. Mechanical cleaning (thermal disinfection) is preferred over manual cleaning.
Intervention
Replace sterile disposable suture removal sets with clean reusable materials.
Environmental impact
Measured in CO₂ emissions, based on the reduced use of disposable materials in suture removal sets and the reuse of non-sterile materials for suture removal.
Implementation approach
- Refer to the approach for implementing a (reusable) product.
- Involve the Central Sterilisation Department (CSA) at an early stage and discuss the possibilities for cleaning and disinfection processes for the materials.
- 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 nursing units in the hospital have switched to reusable non-sterile tweezers and scissors for removing sutures, 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 suture removal sets, see the procedure for measuring an intervention using purchasing data.
Resources
Click here for the position statement from the GreenTeam Infection Prevention of the Dutch Association for Hygiene and Infection Prevention in Healthcare (VHIG), where the intervention is explained.
Resultaten
%
%
%
View our other interventions
Nursing interventions
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.
Monitoring parameters
Reducing blood testing
Blood tests 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 tests performed.
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.”
