A national survey on attitudes and barriers on recycling and environmental sustainability efforts among Canadian anesthesiologists: an opportunity for knowledge translation

Anesthesia-related activities produce 25% of all operating room (OR) waste and contribute to environmental pollution and climate change. The aim of this study was to document Canadian anesthesiologists' current practice, attitudes towards, and perceived barriers regarding recycling of OR waste and environmental sustainability efforts. With Research Ethics Board approval, members of the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society (CAS) completed an online survey consisting of 25 questions assessing current environmentally sustainable practices in anesthesiology and gaps, barriers, and interest in gaining further knowledge on this topic. Four hundred and twenty-six of 2,695 (16%) CAS members responded to the questionnaire. Despite a willingness to recycle at work among most anesthesiologists (393/403, 97.5%), only 122/403 (30.2%) did so. Other sustainability efforts in Canadian ORs included donating unused medical equipment and supplies to medical missions (198/400, 49.5%) and evening shut-off of anesthesia machines and other OR equipment (185/400, 46.3%). Reported barriers to recycling in the OR included a lack of support from hospital/OR leadership (254/400, 63.5%) and inadequate information/education (251/400, 62.8%). Only 122/389 (31.4%) of respondents were aware of any efforts to expand sustainability programs at their institutions but 273/395 (69.1%) of respondents indicated an interest in obtaining further education on the topic. Canadian anesthesiologists appear ready to incorporate environmental sustainability in their practice but indicate that significant barriers exist. Our study highlights the need for further educational programs and implementation strategies.