THE ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF COLONRECTAL SCREENING ON CLIMATE CHANGE: the experience of Reggio Emilia

Aims Climate change has been characterized as "the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century". The healthcare sector stands as one of the primary contributors to waste worldwide, accounting for approximately 4-5% of global CO2 emissions. Endoscopy ranks among the top three procedures in terms of overall waste production in countries such as the United States and England. Improper waste disposal poses a significant risk to the ecosystem. This study originates from the need to highlight the impact of endoscopies on climate change, specifically addressing the substantial waste generated by a common and fundamental practice like colorectal screening. Simultaneously, considering the pivotal role healthcare practitioners, particularly nurses, play in waste disposal, understanding the extent of their training becomes imperative. This assessment aims to evaluate the necessity of organizing training sessions within hospital facilities, specifically tailored to endoscopy—a small step toward an objective that is undeniably crucial for our future: making hospitals as environmentally sustainable as possible. Our aim is to investigate the ecological impact and weight of waste produced during colorectal screening in a month at the Endoscopy Department of Santa Maria Nuova Hospital in Reggio Emilia and to assess how adequate training on proper waste disposal enhances the behavior of nurses.

Methods The study will adopt an observational approach to determine the quantity of waste, categorized into paper, plastic, non-recyclable, and organic waste, produced in a month in the Digestive Endoscopy Department during colorectal screening sessions. Nurses will be administered a questionnaire to evaluate their basic knowledge, followed by specific training. Correct disposal instructions will be implemented in the endoscopy rooms. A second data collection will follow for a month to assess potential improvements. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Results In the data collection conducted in April 2023 during screening sessions, 304.52 kg of organic waste, 33.2 kg of plastic, 16 kg of paper, and 31 kg of non-recyclable waste were produced. After nurses received training, in September 2023, 163.2 kg of organic waste, 18.2 kg of paper, 53.2 kg of plastic, and 80.16 kg of non-recyclable waste were produced.

Conclusions Nurses' behavior improved after specific training; the kilograms of organic waste produced decreased significantly (a type of waste incinerated regardless of its contents). The future objective is to extend waste weight control to all endoscopy rooms, ensuring comprehensive training for all staff. Sustainability should be considered a central factor in the quality of healthcare because we are responsible for the health of future patients as well.

Conflicts of interest

Authors do not have any conflict of interest to disclose.

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Publication History

Article published online:
15 April 2024