Sowing the Seeds of Change: An Experience From Intensive Care Green Teams

Abstract

Introduction

Our health care system are huge contributors to the climate crisis. Several medical societies have recommended implementing green teams to increase practical sustainability projects and awareness.

Action and Aim

Both in Amsterdam University Medical Centre (AUMC) and University Hospital Antwerp (UZA) green teams were started by physicians and nurses. During the meetings ideas were shared and translated into projects.

Results

In both centres several projects were initiated; bedside sustainable skin products for children, increased duration of iv-line use, decrease of pharmaceutical spilling and ICU based waste sorting. Ideas were difficult to implement due to lack of hospital structures and lack of unit specific data. Other experts increasingly participated in the teams.

 Lessons learned

Green teams are based on managing sustainability practices from a clinical perspective, although there are plenty of ideas, prioritizing and feasibility can be challenging. Also time and people are scarce and behavioural change in your own unit is difficult. It can be useful to identify several key members for a green team to improve efficiency and efficacy. The focus for sustainable medical societies should to stimulate the step from practical to evidence-based recommendations by supporting and publishing practical research.