Propofol Disposal in the Anesthesia Setting: Decreasing the Environmental Impact

Abstract

Background: Propofol is a non-barbiturate sedative trained anesthesia providers use to induce and maintain anesthesia and sedation (Sahinovic et al., 2018). Wasting propofol in pharmaceutical disposal containers will lessen the amount released into the environment (Ring & Pfrimmer, 2021). Propofol harms the environment because it does not deteriorate naturally and is toxic to marine organisms (Mankes, 2012). Problem: A large university medical center in the southeast currently needs pharmaceutical waste systems to dispose of propofol. Methods: Anesthesia department staff was surveyed regarding propofol wastage habits prior to implementation. Staff education was provided on waste system usage and propofol’s negative effect on the environment. The pharmaceutical waste system was installed in anesthesia delivery areas. Lewin’s change model was used to unfreeze, change, and refreeze the usage of the pharmaceutical waste bins. Anesthesia staff was surveyed post-implementation to assess propofol wastage habits. Results: After staff education and the pharmaceutical waste system installation, anesthesia providers' use of pharmaceutical waste bins increased from 0% to 54%. Conclusion: Staff education and pharmaceutical waste bin accessibility are instrumental in decreasing propofol's potential negative environmental impact.