Environmental sustainability and gynaecological surgery

Environmental sustainability and gynaecological surgery: Which factors influence behaviour? An interview study

van Nieuwenhuizen, Kim E. (Leiden University Medical Center)
Both, Ingena G.I.A. (Leiden University Medical Center)
Porte, Petra J. (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)
van der Eijk, A.C. (TU Delft Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology; Leiden University Medical Center)
Jansen, F.W. (TU Delft Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology; Leiden University Medical Center)

2023

Objective: To assess the various factors that influence environmentally sustainable behaviour in gynaecological surgery and examine the differences between gynaecologists and residents. Design: An interview study. Setting: Academic and non-academic hospitals in the Netherlands. Population: Gynaecologists (n = 10) and residents (n = 6). Methods: Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews to determine the various factors that influence environmentally sustainable behaviour in gynaecological surgery and to examine the differences between gynaecologists and residents. By using the Desmond framework and the COM-B BCW, both organisational and individual factors related to behaviour were considered. Main outcome measures: Factors that influence environmentally sustainable behaviour. Results: Awareness is increasing but practical knowledge is insufficient. It is crucial to integrate education on the environmental impact of everyday decisions for residents and gynaecologists. Gynaecologists make their own choices but residents’ autonomy is limited. There is the necessity to provide environmentally sustainable surgical equipment without compromising other standards. There is a need for a societal change that encourages safe and open communication about environmental sustainability. To transition to environmentally sustainable practices, leadership, time, collaboration with the industry and supportive regulatory changes are essential. Conclusion: This study lays the groundwork for promoting more environmentally sustainable behaviour in gynaecological surgery. The key recommendations, addressing hospital regulations, leadership, policy revisions, collaboration with the industry, guideline development and education, offer practical steps towards a more sustainable healthcare system. Encouraging environmentally sustainable practices should be embraced to enhance the well-being of both our planet and our population, driving us closer to a more environmentally sustainable future in healthcare.

behaviour
education
environmental sustainability
residents
surgery

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:80260bd5-b32d-4feb-af51-8097963e1232

https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17709

1470-0328

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 131 (2024) (5), 716-724

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2023 Kim E. van Nieuwenhuizen, Ingena G.I.A. Both, Petra J. Porte, A.C. van der Eijk, F.W. Jansen