• Carolyn J Hu, Margaret Reilly, Imadh Khan, Andrew W Hoel, Cord Sturgeon, and Karen J Ho.
• Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
• Ann. Surg. 2024 Jun 18.

ObjectiveTo model the volume of water used and wasted during wet scrubs at operating room (OR) scrub sinks and identify factors for reducing water waste.BackgroundWasteful consumption of water by US healthcare systems has not been well characterized.MethodsThis is a two-component observational study. The first was an observational study of handwashing practices and water usage at scrub sinks in the OR at a single medical center. The second component was a series of two anonymous surveys of surgeons and OR staff to assess hand scrub practices and perspectives. Data from both components were used to estimate the volume of water used and wasted annually at OR scrub sinks.ResultsThe median total volume of water wasted at OR scrub sinks for 34,554 cases over one year is 337,595.6 L (interquartile range 139,010.0;911,210.5). This represents approximately 34.2% of the total volume of water usage associated with wet scrubs (i.e.,water used during scrubbing and wasted after the conclusion of the scrub). Other pertinent findings are that attending surgeons and OR staff perform water scrubs in 25.9% of cases; there are significant differences in scrub type preferences among OR users; the median volume of water wasted in a single wet scrub at timer-controlled sinks is 10 L; and significantly more water is wasted at timer-controlled sinks than knee-operated sinks.ConclusionsOR wet scrubs are a source of enormous water waste. We identified scrub sink characteristics and OR user beliefs and behaviors as modifiable factors for water waste reduction. We encourage all institutions and OR users to carefully examine their facility characteristics and practices to implement plans that will conserve water without compromising patient safety.Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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