Implementation of a Power Down Initiative in 34 Operating Rooms.

Operating rooms (ORs) use energy-intensive equipment such as anesthesia gas machines, patient monitors, and lights. They are major contributors to an institution's carbon footprint; yet ORs are unoccupied 40% of the time. Implementing an initiative to power down electrical devices can reduce energy consumption, equipment failure, and financial outlay. This quality improvement project developed and implemented a power down initiative for anesthesia staff to use in ORs. The initiative included turning off anesthesia gas machines, patient monitors, auxiliary oxygen delivery, and room lights at the end of scheduled cases in ORs that were not used for emergencies. Convenience audits were conducted. Pre- and postimplementation compliance outcomes showed that there was an increase in powering down the anesthesia gas machine, patient monitor, auxiliary oxygen, and room lights. Powering down unnecessary equipment at this facility has the potential to save approximately $50,000 and prevent the emission of over 80 metric tons of CO2 per year. Other facilities can implement a similar quality improvement project aimed at fiscal and ecological conservation.
Competing Interests: Name: Christine Parilli-Johnson, DNP, CRNA Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. Disclosures: None. Name: Jessica Szydlowski Pitman, DNP, CRNA, ACNP, CHSE Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. Disclosures: None. Name: Kristal Barbee, MSN, CRNA Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. Disclosures: None. Name: Adam Flowe, MSN, CRNA Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. Disclosures: None. Name: Nicolette Hooge, DNP, MBA, CRNA Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. Disclosures: None Name: Julie A. Thompson, PhD Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. Disclosures: None Name: Guy Dear, MA, MB, BChir, FRCA, FUHM Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author. Disclosures: None. Name: Emily M. Funk DNP, CRNA Contribution: This author made significant contributions to the conception, synthesis, writing, and final editing and approval of the manuscript to justify inclusion as an author; she is the corresponding author for this article. Disclosures: None. Disclosure statements are available upon request.
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