Green dialysis survey: Establishing a baseline for environmental sustainability across dialysis facilities in Victoria, Australia. Issue 1 (16th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barraclough, Katherine A; Gleeson, Alice; Holt, Stephen G; Agar, John WM
• Is Part Of: Nephrology. Volume 24:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 88
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2018-12-16
• Subjects: dialysis -- environment -- resources -- sustainability; Nephrology -- Periodicals; Kidneys -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Nephrologists -- Periodicals; 616.61; 616.61
• DOI: 10.1111/nep.13191
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1320-5358

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Aim: The Green Dialysis Survey aimed to (i) establish a baseline for environmental sustainability (ES) across Victorian dialysis facilities; and (ii) guide future initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of dialysis delivery. Methods: Nurse unit managers of all Victorian public dialysis facilities received an online link to the survey, which asked 107 questions relevant to the ES of dialysis services. Results: Responses were received from 71/83 dialysis facilities in Victoria (86%), representing 628/660 dialysis chairs (95%). Low energy lighting was present in 13 facilities (18%), 18 (25%) recycled reverse osmosis water and seven (10%) reported use of renewable energy. Fifty‐six facilities (79%) performed comingled recycling but only 27 (38%) recycled polyvinyl chloride plastic. A minority educated staff in appropriate waste management ( n = 30;42%) or formally audited waste generation and segregation ( n = 19;27%). Forty‐four (62%) provided secure bicycle parking but only 33 (46%) provided shower and changing facilities. There was limited use of tele‐ or video‐conferencing to replace staff meetings ( n = 19;27%) or patient clinic visits ( n = 13;18%). A minority considered ES in procurement decisions ( n = 28;39%) and there was minimal preparedness to cope with climate change. Only 39 services (49%) confirmed an ES policy and few had ever formed a green group ( n = 14; 20%) or were currently undertaking a green project ( n = 8;11%). Only 15 facilities (21%) made formal efforts to raise awareness of ES. Conclusion: This survey provides a baseline for practices that potentially impact the environmental sustainability of dialysis units in Victoria, Australia. It also identifies achievable targets for attention. Summary at a Glance: This survey provides a baseline for practices that potentially impact environmental sustainability of dialysis units in Victoria, Australia, and identifies achievable targets for future efforts to reduce the impact of dialysis on the environment.