Improving laminar flow efficiency in theatres

SusQI project completed as part of The Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS FT Green Team Competition from September - December 2022.

Setting/Patient Group: Emergency and Orthopaedic Theatres

Issue to be addressed:

Laminar flow ventilation systems (LAF) provide flow of ultra clean air to reduce infection risk through airborne contamination. Much of the evidence for this is based on orthopaedic surgery with little in other operative indications.

It is on continuously through all emergency and orthopaedic list, accounting for 30-60% of the overall energy output from theatres in this trust.

Intervention:

• Retrospective review to quantify inappropriate LAF use
• Creation of a standard operating procedure (SOP) to streamline LAF use
  • switch off entirely for emergency theatre unless clinically indicated
  • in orthopaedic theatre – for discussion in morning surgical safety brief

Outcome:

Clinical

• LAF is potentially harmful in non-orthopaedic operations, so reducing improper use could improve patient outcomes although this was not formally assessed.

Social

• Improved working environment for staff without noise from laminar flow

Environmental

• Avoiding inappropriate use could lead to annual saving of between 8 -14.7 Tonnes CO2e per year (average saving of 11,350 kgCO2e), equivalent to driving 23,041 – 42,339 miles in an average car.

Economic

• Economic analysis suggests that between £538.9 and £855.41 can be saved each month by improving laminar flow efficiency in theatres. This projects to annual savings of £6,463.13 to £10,264.97 (average saving of £8,364.05.

Key learning point

This project shows how existing systems can be challenged to create a cultural change amongst the team, saving energy and money.

Click here for more information on the Green Team Competition (including organisation impact reports).