TY - JOUR
T1 - Environmental sustainability and gynaecological surgery
T2 - Which factors influence behaviour? An interview study
AU - van Nieuwenhuizen, Kim E.
AU - Both, Ingena G.I.A.
AU - Porte, Petra J.
AU - van der Eijk, Anne C.
AU - Jansen, Frank Willem
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - Objective: To assess the various factors that influence environmentally sustainable behaviour in gynaecological surgery and examine the differences between gynaecologists and residents. Design: An interview study. Setting: Academic and non-academic hospitals in the Netherlands. Population: Gynaecologists (n = 10) and residents (n = 6). Methods: Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews to determine the various factors that influence environmentally sustainable behaviour in gynaecological surgery and to examine the differences between gynaecologists and residents. By using the Desmond framework and the COM-B BCW, both organisational and individual factors related to behaviour were considered. Main outcome measures: Factors that influence environmentally sustainable behaviour. Results: Awareness is increasing but practical knowledge is insufficient. It is crucial to integrate education on the environmental impact of everyday decisions for residents and gynaecologists. Gynaecologists make their own choices but residents’ autonomy is limited. There is the necessity to provide environmentally sustainable surgical equipment without compromising other standards. There is a need for a societal change that encourages safe and open communication about environmental sustainability. To transition to environmentally sustainable practices, leadership, time, collaboration with the industry and supportive regulatory changes are essential. Conclusion: This study lays the groundwork for promoting more environmentally sustainable behaviour in gynaecological surgery. The key recommendations, addressing hospital regulations, leadership, policy revisions, collaboration with the industry, guideline development and education, offer practical steps towards a more sustainable healthcare system. Encouraging environmentally sustainable practices should be embraced to enhance the well-being of both our planet and our population, driving us closer to a more environmentally sustainable future in healthcare.
AB - Objective: To assess the various factors that influence environmentally sustainable behaviour in gynaecological surgery and examine the differences between gynaecologists and residents. Design: An interview study. Setting: Academic and non-academic hospitals in the Netherlands. Population: Gynaecologists (n = 10) and residents (n = 6). Methods: Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews to determine the various factors that influence environmentally sustainable behaviour in gynaecological surgery and to examine the differences between gynaecologists and residents. By using the Desmond framework and the COM-B BCW, both organisational and individual factors related to behaviour were considered. Main outcome measures: Factors that influence environmentally sustainable behaviour. Results: Awareness is increasing but practical knowledge is insufficient. It is crucial to integrate education on the environmental impact of everyday decisions for residents and gynaecologists. Gynaecologists make their own choices but residents’ autonomy is limited. There is the necessity to provide environmentally sustainable surgical equipment without compromising other standards. There is a need for a societal change that encourages safe and open communication about environmental sustainability. To transition to environmentally sustainable practices, leadership, time, collaboration with the industry and supportive regulatory changes are essential. Conclusion: This study lays the groundwork for promoting more environmentally sustainable behaviour in gynaecological surgery. The key recommendations, addressing hospital regulations, leadership, policy revisions, collaboration with the industry, guideline development and education, offer practical steps towards a more sustainable healthcare system. Encouraging environmentally sustainable practices should be embraced to enhance the well-being of both our planet and our population, driving us closer to a more environmentally sustainable future in healthcare.
KW - behaviour
KW - education
KW - environmental sustainability
KW - residents
KW - surgery
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85176923382&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/1471-0528.17709
DO - 10.1111/1471-0528.17709
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85176923382
SN - 1470-0328
VL - 131 (2024)
SP - 716
EP - 724
JO - BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
JF - BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
IS - 5
ER -