Knowledge, attitude, and practices of operating theatre staff towards environmentally sustainable practices in the operating theatres.

BACKGROUND: Successful implementation of environmentally sustainable practices in the operating theatre (OT) requires stakeholder engagement. We evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of OT users in our institution towards sustainable practices in the OT.

METHODS: A survey was conducted among OT users in August 2022. Respondents completed a 44-question anonymised online survey covering sustainability in (1) knowledge, (2) attitude, (3) practice, and (4) proposed changes to current practices. Points were assigned to knowledge (15 points) and attitude (40 points) sections. Practice was evaluated based on proportion of measures practiced. Appropriate statistical tests were used, with significance p < 0.05. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) or proportion (%).

RESULTS: Among 149 respondents were doctors (n = 76), non-doctors (n = 45), and medical students (n = 28). Doctors scored highest in knowledge of sustainability (8.58 ± 1.83) compared to non-doctors and medical students (7.62 ± 1.75, 8.39 ± 1.87). Positive attitudes towards sustainability correlated with years of experience (p < 0.01). Non-doctors were more likely to practice sustainable measures, versus doctors (61 vs 52%, p < 0.01). Most (69%) respondents were unwilling to adopt any practice changes. The least popular measure was replacement of standard hand scrubbing with alcohol-based hand rub, considered unsafe by 74% of respondents.

CONCLUSION: Despite positive attitudes towards sustainable measures, there remains wariness of practice changes, which should be addressed by educational campaigns.