Mitigating the Impact of Inhaled Anesthetics on Carbon Emissions

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

Jason Bohrer (Creator)

Institution

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )

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

Advisor

Stacey Schlesinger

Abstract: Background: Inhaled anesthetics undergo minimal metabolism and are subsequently exhaled into the atmosphere as unchanged waste anesthetic gases (WAGs). WAGs accelerate climate change because they act as greenhouse gases (GHGs). Anesthesia providers can decrease WAGs by using less inhaled anesthetics through adopting alternative anesthetic techniques. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational initiative and posted signage on decreasing the utilization of environmentally harmful inhaled anesthetic agents. Methods: Baseline data (e.g., anesthetic agent selection, anesthesia time, and fresh gas flow [FGF]) was collected from twenty operating rooms over fourteen days. Pre-intervention surveys were distributed to CRNAs to assess knowledge of carbon emissions and willingness to adopt alternative anesthetic techniques. An evidence-based educational presentation related to inhaled anesthetics and carbon emissions was provided for CRNAs. The same quantitative data points were collected over fourteen days following the intervention, and similar surveys were repeated to assess for interval change. Results: Educational intervention led to a decrease in carbon emissions through the use of more balanced anesthesia and total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), lower average FGF rates, and less nitrous oxide (N2O). Balanced anesthesia increased from 4% to 8%. TIVA increased from 3% to 5%. N2O utilization was reduced by 13%. The total carbon footprint decreased by 58% and there was a 3% increase in total cost. Recommendations and Conclusion: An educational presentation and posted signage for CRNAs can help decrease the estimated carbon emissions from inhaled anesthetics. Extending the educational intervention to all anesthesia providers and emphasizing the safety and benefits of alternative anesthetic techniques may further improve outcomes. Fully adopting TIVA techniques would yield the most substantial decrease in carbon emissions.

Mitigating the Impact of Inhaled Anesthetics on Carbon Emissions
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Created on 6/25/2024
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Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2024

Keywords

carbon footprint, climate change, fresh gas flow, inhaled anesthetics, TIVA

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