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