Implementation of sustainability interventions in ICUs in the Netherlands: A survey of the green ICU

Background:

The healthcare sector's environmental impact is mostly caused by hospital care, with Intensive Care Units (ICUs) being a significant source of pollution. The Dutch Green ICU network shares sustainability interventions and best practices on its online platform, supporting ICUs in making their ICUs more sustainable. However, it remains uncertain which measures are actually implemented by ICUs in the Netherlands. Our objective is to investigate which sustainability interventions of The Green ICU network have been implemented in Dutch ICUs. 

Methods:

A questionnaire (in Dutch) was sent to 72 ICUs in the Netherlands in May 2024 and contained 24 questions encompassing all sustainability interventions identified by The Green ICU. The interventions were divided into seven thematic areas. The ICU size was also measured, as the number of beds. The data analysis included frequency counts of the interventions and qualitative analyse of the given open answers. 

Results: 

In total, 46 ICUs (64%) have opened the questionnaire, of whom 28 ICUs (response rate 39%) rated all sustainability interventions. This article provides detailed information on the implementation frequency of 85 sustainability interventions. One of the most commonly implemented interventions is: ‘Establishing a green team’ (implemented by 100% of responding ICUs). One of the least commonly implemented interventions is: ‘Use NaCl 0,9% instead of ultrasound gel’ (0%). 

Conclusions:

This survey facilitates the identification of implemented sustainability actions and focus-areas in Dutch ICUs. A national platform that shares sustainable interventions can help drive the shift towards a green healthcare system.