CESI is an active training center, utilizing simulation and leveraging the value of the experiential learning that it provides. Simulation centers have become a vital component of modern healthcare education, allowing healthcare professionals to hone their skills without the risks associated with real patient interactions. Sustainability, as defined by the UN Brundtland Commission in 1987, is the practice of meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations of meeting their own needs. The three components of sustainability include the environment, economic and social factors and their intersection contributes to the sustainability of an organization.
As healthcare professionals learn more of the effects of unprecedented climate change, water and air pollution and poor waste management on population health, there is a need to incorporate these concepts into simulation training. Raising awareness on this crucial topic among its employees is the first step towards sustainability in any healthcare organization. The Joint Commission, in January of 2024, recommended that all its accredited hospitals gain a sustainability certification and have provided resources and guidelines on their website. It has thus become necessary for all healthcare organizations to comply and eventually get on the sustainability bandwagon. By integrating sustainable practices, simulation centers, can be exemplars, significantly reducing their environmental impact while promoting responsible resource usage.
The medical industry has created the need for innovative devices to enhance patient care. According to the World Health Organization, 85% of healthcare waste is non-hazardous packaging, plastics and non-biodegradable materials. A major challenge is the expiration date on consumables that are required for patient care. Once expired, these supplies cannot be used for patients. Hartford Hospital’s initiative, by the supply chain department, tracks the expiry dates of all supplies and enables access to a dashboard. The user can identify supplies with a short expiry and share them with other areas in the hospital for use before expiry. The dashboard also tracks the cost of these supplies, and the cost incurred when supplies are unused and expire. Thousands of dollars end up being wasted when supplies are allowed to expire.
One of the most impactful ways simulation centers can contribute to sustainability is through the donation of medical supplies. Many healthcare facilities have excess equipment, materials, and supplies that can be repurposed for training purposes. At CESI, we receive many expired supplies from the operating room, anesthesia and various units. We comb through the supplies and salvage everything that could be used for training at the simulation center. We share the supplies with nurse educators, the community health unit, the research team as necessary. Unusable supplies are then discarded into the garbage. This use of donated supplies and their reuse, reduces the financial burden on simulation centers, delays the amount of waste that reaching the landfill and contribute to the fidelity of simulation experiences.
Collaboration with local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations is essential for effective supply donation programs. Establishing strong partnerships ensures a consistent flow of resources, allowing simulation centers to maintain high standards in training while promoting sustainability. These partnerships can be formalized through agreements that outline the types of supplies needed and the process for donation.
Simulation centers have the potential to become focal points for sustainability and climate action within the healthcare industry. By implementing various strategies, these centers can lead the way in promoting eco-friendly practices and raising awareness about environmental issues.
At CESI, where a large proportion of the income is notional and subsidized by Hartford Hospital, it is vital that we keep our operational expenses as low as possible, so that we can save the dollars for much needed equipment and ensure that the services that it provides are sustainable. As we continue to work towards contributing to positive healthcare outcomes and retaining talent, we are always looking at practices to reduce waste.
Simulation centers can also engage with their communities by hosting workshops and seminars on sustainability practices. By educating healthcare professionals and the public about the importance of sustainability, these centers can foster a culture of environmental responsibility. Two staff at CESI and one from nursing education, have recently been accepted for a Fellowship in Climate Health Organization, run by the Center for Health Equity, Education and Advocacy (CHEEA), by the Cambridge Health Alliance, based in Massachusetts. They will participate in a year long program that will give them the knowledge and skills to raise climate awareness among healthcare professionals. They hope to bring their ideas and projects back to Hartford Healthcare.
The intersection of simulation centers and sustainability presents a unique opportunity for the healthcare industry. By embracing sustainable practices, utilizing donated supplies, and positioning themselves as hubs for climate action, simulation centers can significantly contribute to reducing healthcare waste and promoting environmental responsibility.
As we move forward, the commitment to sustainability within simulation centers will not only enhance training for healthcare professionals but also foster a more sustainable healthcare system. By taking proactive steps today, healthcare organizations and simulation centers can pave the way for a healthier planet, well informed staff and patients and pave the way for a more responsible approach to healthcare education.