Greening Critical Care: Exploring Environmental Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities in the Emirati ICU Context.

Abstract

This qualitative study seeks to explore the perspectives of Emirati ICU teams on environmental sustainability, identifying the challenges they face, and exploring potential opportunities to make healthcare practice more sustainable. The study thereby contributes to addressing the research gap on reducing impacts of resource-intensive care environments by exploring how ICU teams perceive and approach environmental sustainability in their practice. A descriptive qualitative design was utilized, involving semi-structured interviews with 19 ICU nurses and nurse managers and 5 ICU physicians. Data analysis followed the Colaizzi seven-step method. The findings revealed a significant understanding of the concept of sustainability among ICU teams, with participants highlighting key areas such as recycling, energy efficiency, and waste management. However, challenges like resistance to change, limited funding, and competing priorities were identified as significant barriers to implementing sustainability in praxis. This study underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach to achieving environmental sustainability in ICUs, involving collaborative efforts, clear communication, training, and leadership commitment. It is crucial to address financial constraints, promote sustainable procurement practices, and create a strong business case for environmental sustainability.