CAREFREE Project
As you are probably aware, climate change is the most significant health threat of our century, and the healthcare sector is a notable contributor to this issue. Globally, the healthcare sector accounts for over 4% of the carbon footprint, with this figure rising to 6-10% in the Global South.
These numbers are deeply concerning, and I believe we, as clinicians, must take action.
To address this, we have developed the CAREFREE-project, which I lead. This initiative aims to create more sustainable operating rooms.
As part of the CAREFREE-project, we are currently mapping international practices regarding the use of reusable and disposable materials in surgery. To achieve this, we have developed an international survey.
We recently conducted a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to quantify the environmental impact of our practices. Our findings revealed that disposable instruments significantly contribute to the procedure’s carbon footprint.
As surgeons and residents, it is crucial for us to reflect on the materials we use. To better understand practice variations and the considerations of surgeons and residents regarding disposable and reusable materials, we have developed a questionnaire.
The survey takes only 5-10 minutes to complete.
Your participation is vital to the research conducted by the CAREFREE consortium and will help our surgical community move towards more sustainable practices. Together, we strive for sustainable surgery! Will you join us?
Click the link to participate in the survey:
Thank you in advance!
On behalf of,
- Prof. Dr. Nicole Bouvy, Surgeon, Maastricht UMC+
- Dr. Philip de Reuver, Surgeon, Radboudumc
- Stijn Bluiminck, PhD Candidate, RadboudumcMyrthe Eussen, PhD Candidate, Maastricht UMC+