Audit of medical waste disposal in surgery at Toronto Western Hospital
Greening the Operating Room: Auditing Anesthesia Generated Wastes and Exploring Strategies to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06680284 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are anesthesia staff, residents, or anesthesia assistants working at Toronto Western Hospital.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- 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 participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.