Implementing of a Power Down Initiative in 24 Operating Rooms-Implementing of a Power Down Initiative in 24 Operating Rooms

Implementing of a Power Down Initiative in 24 Operating Rooms

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A quality improvement project implemented in 34 operating rooms (ORs) aimed to reduce energy consumption and costs by powering down anesthesia-related equipment when not in use. ORs, typically unoccupied 40% of the time, are significant contributors to hospitals’ carbon footprints due to the continuous energy consumption of anesthesia gas machines, patient monitors, and lights. The initiative involved turning off equipment after scheduled cases in non-emergency ORs, resulting in a projected annual savings of approximately 50,000 and reducing CO2 emissions by over 80 metric tons.<br /><br />The project's success hinged on increasing compliance through educational sessions, a power down checklist, and involving anesthesia staff like certified registered nurse anesthetists and technicians. The compliance for turning off anesthesia gas machines, patient monitors, and auxiliary oxygen saw substantial increases post-implementation. Energy cost assessments showed potential savings from these efforts, highlighting the effectiveness of the power down initiative.<br /><br />Despite improvements, challenges remained in powering down overhead lights and non-anesthesia-related equipment, which were often left on. Feedback from anesthesia professionals indicated a strong willingness to adopt these environmental practices, but highlighted gaps in knowledge regarding energy costs and consumption. <br /><br />Implementing this power down initiative demonstrated that hospitals could significantly reduce energy consumption, extend equipment lifespan, and drive down operational costs. It underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and fostering a culture of sustainability in healthcare settings. The project serves as a model for other healthcare institutions aiming to implement similar energy conservation measures.

Keywords

quality improvement

energy consumption

operating rooms

anesthesia equipment

carbon footprint

CO2 emissions

cost savings

sustainability

healthcare

multidisciplinary collaboration