SAGES and EAES Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Purpose
The purpose of the Safety and Sustainability Initiative is to champion the integration of safety and sustainable practices in surgical procedures and operations for our North American members. The ultimate goal is to enhance patient outcomes and minimize the ecological footprint of surgical operations.
The initiative will focus on:
Crafting guidelines and recommendations to lower the environmental impact of surgical operations, including waste reduction, emissions minimization, energy conservation, and the promotion of sustainable procurement and disposal methods.
Sharing best practices to safeguard patient safety in surgical environments, which encompasses the proper use of surgical equipment, application of effective techniques, teamwork, clear communication, and adherence to established protocols.
Engaging in partnerships with other healthcare associations and entities to encourage the adoption of safe and sustainable practices in surgery, and to highlight the significance of these issues within the healthcare sector.
Providing education and resources to surgeons and healthcare practitioners about the critical role of safety and sustainability in surgery, alongside offering support and training to integrate these principles into their daily operations.
Investigating the effects of safety and sustainability initiatives on patient outcomes, healthcare expenditures, and environmental sustainability.
Overall, this initiative seeks to elevate the standards and safety of surgical care across North America, contributing to the wider objective of fostering a healthcare system that is both more sustainable and safer.
Mission and Vision
The vision behind this initiative is to cultivate a culture within the North American surgical community that values safety and environmental responsibility, ensuring patients receive top-notch, safe care.
In particular, the initiative aims to:
- Encourage a cooperative and multidisciplinary approach to surgery that weaves safety and sustainability into every phase of surgical care, from the planning stages through to recovery.
- Advocate for a culture of ongoing education and enhancement within the surgical field, where medical professionals are motivated to exchange best practices, partake in continual learning, and consistently refine their approaches.
- Collaborate with patients and their advocates to make sure their views and necessities are considered in shaping safety and sustainability measures, thereby promoting patient-focused care.
- Position itself as a pivotal entity in the global healthcare dialogue on safety and sustainability in surgical practices, contributing to international efforts aimed at enhancing healthcare systems’ safety and ecological footprint.
The overall ambition of this initiative is to pave the way for a healthcare system in North America that is not only more sustainable but also deeply centered on patient care, where safety and sustainability are fundamental principles guiding surgical procedures.
Initiatives
Additional Resources
NEW!: Scoping Review for the SAGES EAES joint collaborative on sustainability in surgical practice.
NEW!: Perspectives On Sustainability Among Surgeons
NEW!: Sustainability In Surgical Practice: A collaborative call toward environmental sustainability in operating rooms manuscript.
NEW!: SAGES 2024 Sustainability Keynote Speakers:
– From Cold Hard Steel to a Low-carbon Future: Practicing Sustainable Surgery https://vimeo.com/948460456
– When There is a Way, There is a Will: https://vimeo.com/948460483
– Bariatric Surgery vs Gut Hormone-based Anti-obesity Agents: https://vimeo.com/948460425
SAGES is the 2nd US Surgical Organization signatory and was recognized at the United Nations COP 28: https://www.hhs.gov/climate-change-health-equity-environmental-justice/climate-change-health-equity/actions/health-sector-pledge/index.html
HHS General: https://www.hhs.gov/
HHS Sustainability: https://www.hhs.gov/about/sustainability/index.html
JCAHO resources and standards: https://www.jointcommission.org/our-priorities/sustainable-healthcare/
National Academy of Medicine: https://nam.edu/programs/climate-change-and-human-health/action-collaborative-on-decarbonizing-the-u-s-health-sector
Surgeon Practice Takeaways:
Visuals
How to get involved?
Simply fill out the form below to notify the task force that you wish to get involved!