The Role of the Nurse Anesthetist in Reducing the Environmental Footprint of Anesthesia Practice: A Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55707/jhs.v13i1.201Keywords:
anaesthesia, environmental impact, nurse anaesthetists, sustainable healthcareAbstract
Sustainable anaesthesia practice is recognised as a key element in reducing the healthcare system’s environmental footprint, with nurse anaesthetists playing a central role in applying the measures that protect both the patients and the environment. The literature review conducted in July 2025 through PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus included open-access studies in English, published between 2020 and 2025. 19 studies were analysed. Evidence shows that nurse anaesthetists can reduce the environmental impact by implementing low-flow techniques, transitioning to total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), rationally using reusable equipment, reducing and properly segregating waste, and educating teams. Identified practice models include nurse -led services and reorganised outpatient procedures, which cut resource use and strengthened the nursing role. The main barriers are lack of education, limited resources, and weak institutional support. Integrating these strategies into the curricula, national guidelines, and hospital protocols could accelerate sustainable anaesthesia in Croatia.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Valentina Ješić, Martina Smrekar, Sabina Babić, Nikolina Vratan
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