Dissertation
Enhancing environmental sustainability in anesthesia practice: a DNP-led initiative to improve recycling behaviors
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Drexel University
12 Mar 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/q0b3-ck08
Abstract
The pressing issue of recyclable waste in healthcare settings, particularly in operating rooms, has necessitated a shift towards more sustainable practices. This project investigates the impact of educational interventions on anesthesia staff's recycling attitudes in the practice site's operating rooms. Despite previous efforts and milestones achieved in "Greening the OR" initiatives, a significant decline in recycling practices has been observed, coinciding with a substantial increase in biohazard waste production. This project aimed to address the practice problem of excessive recyclable disposal by evaluating the effectiveness of a two-week educational program on increasing anesthesia providers' willingness to participate in recycling initiatives. Employing a comprehensive literature review across major databases, this project identifies key barriers to effective waste management, including lack of standardized disposal procedures, difficulty in segregating recyclable materials, and resistance to change among healthcare professionals. The findings suggest that targeted educational interventions can significantly influence recycling behaviors and attitudes towards environmental sustainability in healthcare settings. This project proposes a focused solution to a multifaceted problem, highlighting the critical role of education in overcoming the challenges associated with recycling in healthcare and contributing to the global efforts in reducing environmental footprints of healthcare facilities.
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Details
- Title
- Enhancing environmental sustainability in anesthesia practice
- Creators
- Jillian CapellaMichael Shulo
- Contributors
- Dawn M. Specht (DNP Chair) - Drexel University, Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 78 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Nurse Anesthesia; Nursing (Graduate); College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014632291404721