Knowledge of surgeons and practical stances of healthcare institutions in the Ile-de-France region toward sustainable development: A cross-sectional study

Purpose of the study

Climate change represents one of the gravest threats to health. Surgical activities mobilize a large number of resources which contribute to increased emission of CO2 and anesthetic gases in the environment. The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of surgeons and the practical stances of healthcare establishments toward sustainable development.

Methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, lasting 2 months. From 1 May 2021 to 30 June 2021, surgeons were asked via an online questionnaire to participate.

Results

A total of 131 out of the 457 contacted surgeons responded. A majority practiced in the private sector, 48.9% knew little about the rules of sustainable development in operating theaters, and 43.5% had an average level. The sustainable development charter was available in only 23% of establishments, while 19% had a sustainable development committee, and specific sustainable development actions were carried out in 27%.

Conclusion

The level of knowledge of surgeons in Île-de-France on sustainable development was low. In general, surgical units were not complying with the rules of good practice on CO₂ reduction. It is necessary to find strategies to reduce the impact of operating theaters on the environment.