providers chose to adminis-
ter. The efforts lowered
per-case carbon dioxide
equivalent emissions by
64% over a 3-year period
and resulted in an estimat-
ed $25,000 in monthly sav-
ings (osmag.net/JYe9Vw).
The positive change realized at the University of Wisconsin relied on
changing the practice of individual providers. Those type of efforts
are often effective in the short term, but wane over time as providers
revert back to clinical habits, says Dr. Sherman. To achieve a more
sustained practice improvement, you can remove desflurane from
your formulary altogether. Dr. Sherman says a healthcare system
reportedly realized $300,000 in annual savings by eliminating desflu-
rane. Her own health system removed the drug from its formulary in
2013.
Global impact
Anesthesia providers are becoming increasingly aware of the signifi-
cant impact waste anesthesia gases have on the environment, accord-
ing to Dr. Sherman. But, she says, there are plenty more who need to
understand how their everyday practices affect the planet.
"Climate change is considered by some as the top public health
issue of the 21
st
century," says Dr. Sherman. "Limiting the amount of
anesthesia gases your facility emits into the atmosphere is low-hang-
ing fruit that can have a positive impact on the environment."
OSM
J U N E 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 9 7
Limiting the amount of anesthesia
gases your facility emits is low-
hanging fruit that can have a positive
impact on the environment.
— Jodi Sherman, MD
