Recommended Citation
Primuth H, Oliver KS, Lackovich K, Getzin A, Simpson D. Teaching to Discard Less Red on L & D Today for a Greener Tomorrow. Poster presented at: Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers (AIAMC) – National Initiative X: Meeting #2; April 17-18, 2026; Carlsbad, CA.
Presentation Notes
Poster presented at: Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers (AIAMC) – National Initiative X: Meeting #2; April 17-18, 2026; Carlsbad, CA.
Abstract
Introduction
Climate change has known impacts on the health of the maternal-fetal dyad. Economic instability, flooding and displacement lead to reduced access to care, disrupted crop yields and food supply chains. Extreme heat has been linked to increased rates of fetal growth restriction, preterm delivery and stillbirth. Healthcare makes up 4.4% of net global emissions, and work on labor and delivery generates significant waste. Even when incineration of regulated medical waste (“red bag waste”) is done properly, there are still emissions which include greenhouse gases, heavy metals, toxins and particulate matter. It is estimated that 3-10% of total waste generated on L&D should be classified as regulated medical waste (RMW). The recommended standard percentage of overall medical waste disposed of as RMW is 15% based on national benchmarks, while the actual percentage is 50-70%.
Our aim: To decrease total L&D red bag waste by 10% through education of OB/GYN residents and faculty regarding the environmental impact of our work on our patients and proper waste sorting.
Methods
Baseline weights for the red bag and municipal waste was obtained from 40 vaginal deliveries by L&D techs and then used to calculate baseline percentages of red bag waste relative to total waste. Four learning/assessment tools were developed: 1) a 34-question quiz to assess three domains of knowledge (ie, waste sorting, environmental impacts, Advocate Health’s sustainability priorities) and personal attitudes regarding sustainability efforts; 2) a gamification approach with simulated waste must be sorted into appropriate receptacles scattered about the room and tracked for time to completion and accuracy; 3) an interactive presentation focused on quiz knowledge domains; and 4) a simplified infographic highlighting applicable sorting guidelines to display on L&D. In 3 months, waste will be remeasured along with strategies 1 and 2.
Results
A total of 17 participants completed the knowledge and attitude assessment quiz, including 12 resident physicians and 5 faculty OBGYNs. The quiz scores ranged from 45-94% correct, with an average score of 69%. Waste sorting activity was completed by 18 participants, including the same individuals who completed the quiz along with one additional faculty OBGYN. Time to complete the sorting ranged from 1.5 to 3 minutes. Faculty members demonstrated greater accuracy in sorting compared to resident physicians.
Discussion
To date the project has been well received. L&D techs on L&D have been engaged and instrumental in the weighing process. Residents and faculty found the game to be fun and educational. We intend to include the incoming residents in a similar project during orientation in July.
Type
Poster
Affiliations
Aurora Health Care