Chu, Allen & Redman, Brian. The environmental benefit of turning off fresh gas flow during pediatric intubation. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-bx5j-9z16
DescriptionPurpose of Project:
There are challenges in reducing the amount of waste anesthetic gas released into the environment, but some changes are within the clinical practitioner's grasp. A point of emphasis for this project was that during pediatric intubation, shutting off fresh gas flows instead of the vaporizer, would help reduce the exposure of anesthetic gas into the environment. A broader goal of the project was to create more environmentally conscious anesthesia providers who makes clinical practice decisions based on the patient’s well-being as well as the potential environmental consequences.
Methodology:
A PSA video was created and made available on YouTube illustrating the pros and cons of this recommendation by using dry ice vapor in the anesthesia circuit to simulate fresh gas flow. A pre and post-test survey was given to participants to ascertain if watching the PSA had any effect on their reported knowledge base as well as their willingness to change their practice due to the information obtained.
Results:
Results of the pre- and post-test survey showed 69 responses where there was a statistically significant willingness to change anesthetic practice (Z = -2.274, p = 0.023), using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Implications for Practice:
The positive correlation between showing the PSA video of the effects of anesthetic gases on the environment and the willingness to change anesthetic practice regarding fresh gas flows and pediatric intubation, shows that it is possible for a clinical practice change.