Going Green in Labor and Delivery: Assessing Knowledge and Identifying Barrier and Facilitators to Recycling in Obstetric Operating Rooms and on the Labor and Delivery Unit

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Angela Draughon Rickelton (Creator)

Institution

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )

Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Advisor

Eric Gill

Abstract: Background: Appropriate segregation of waste can enormously impact hospital finances. Specifically, the amount of waste produced and the number of wasted resources impact hospital systems' financial stability. Purpose: This quality improvement project has four primary purposes: 1) To identify existing barriers to recycling as perceived by the operating room and labor and delivery staff; 2) to identify existing facilitators to recycling as perceived by the operating room and labor and delivery staff; 3) to explore what will be needed to develop and implement a recycling and waste stream management protocol in the labor and delivery unit and operating room; 4) to develop a recycling and waste stream management protocol along with educational guidelines for the staff on the labor and delivery unit and the obstetrical operating room. Methods: A Mixed-methods approach explored waste management streams, recycling knowledge, and facilitators’ barriers toward recycling. Data was collected through an anonymous online survey and a focus group interview session. Results: Multiple areas of reducing what is used were highlighted by streamlining supplies, reducing the number of supplies opened that are not needed, reducing the amount of energy used by turning off lights, streamlining preference cards, and reducing the number of items pulled for a case opened, unused, and thrown away. Recommendations and Conclusion: Rethinking and education are the most significant conclusions drawn from this project. Education on the cost impact supplies have on the hospital’s financial resources should be incorporated into the yearly learning modules and the new hire orientation.

Going Green in Labor and Delivery: Assessing Knowledge and Identifying Barrier and Facilitators to Recycling in Obstetric Operating Rooms and on the Labor and Delivery Unit
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Created on 1/11/2024
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Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2023

Keywords

waste, recycle, operating room, labor and delivery, cost, waste stream

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