Reducing packaging waste in care units: a national survey

Abstract

International audienceObjectives: Ecological transition has become an increasing concern among healthcare professionals, prompting interest in pro-environmental practices. This study aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations to guide healthcare professionals in selecting between single- and double-packaged sterile medical devices (SMD) based on their perceptions and practices.Methods: A survey was co-constructed by the French Pharmaceutical Society of Medical Devices (SPFDM), the French Society for Sterilisation Sciences (SF2S), the French Society for Hospital Hygiene (SF2H), and the National Association of State-Certified Operating Room Nurses (UNAIBODE). The questionnaire was distributed electronically to healthcare professionals working in operating theatres across France.Results: A total of 130 respondents completed the survey, including 72 operating room and registered nurses (55.5%), 30 pharmacists (23%), 20 managers (15.5%) and eight others (6%). Most participants worked in public health establishments (80.8%) with established waste sorting systems (83.1%), mainly for paper/cardboard, metal and plastic. Daily use of single-pack SMD was reported by 61.5% of respondents, although only 11.3% applied this to implantable MD. Packaging was considered an environmental criterion by 71.5% of participants, mainly based on the number of packages. Safety concerns were prevalent, with 66.9% indicating that single packaging alone was insufficient for SMD. A majority (70.8%) supported transitioning to single-pack MD where appropriate, whereas the trend reversed for implantable SMD, with 60.0% opposing single packaging. Most respondents (75.4%) favoured wider availability of dematerialised records, and 97% supported a pictogram indicating recyclability of SMD packaging.Conclusion: This national survey provides valuable insights into SMD packaging practices in French operating theatres. While safety remains the primary concern-particularly for implantable SMD-there is strong environmental awareness and willingness to adapt practices when clinical safety is not compromised. Based on these findings, professional societies plan to develop recommendations promoting single-pack SMD where clinically appropriate, while maintaining double packaging for high-risk implantable SMD