Audit of medical waste disposal in surgery at Toronto Western Hospital
Official title: Greening the Operating Room: Auditing Anesthesia Generated Wastes and Exploring Strategies to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT06680284 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at the types and amounts of waste created during surgeries at Toronto Western Hospital to see how well staff are managing it and if better education can help reduce waste.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 27, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 20, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06680284 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are anesthesia staff, residents, or anesthesia assistants working at Toronto Western Hospital.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not involved in anesthesia services or do not work at Toronto Western Hospital will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess the types and amounts of anesthesia waste generated during surgical procedures at Toronto Western Hospital. The research will involve inspecting waste bins and bags after surgeries to gather data on waste disposal practices, including the identification of recyclable materials and the financial costs associated with waste management. Additionally, the study will evaluate the effectiveness of a staff education program designed to promote proper waste disposal and reduce overall waste generation. The findings will contribute to understanding the environmental impact of surgical waste and inform potential greening initiatives in operating rooms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved waste management practices in hospitals, reducing environmental harm and promoting sustainability.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing concern about medical waste management, this specific approach to auditing anesthesia waste is novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: • Must be an anesthesia staff, resident or an anesthesia assistant at Toronto Western Hospital. Exclusion Criteria: • Inability to give informed consent to participate in the study.
Where it's running
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Toronto Western Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Vincent Chan, MD, FRCPC — University Health Network, Toronto
- Study coordinator: Jayanta Chowdhury, MBBS, MD
- Email: jayanta.chowdhury@uhn.ca
- Phone: 416-603-5800
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.