MSA applauds the work anesthesiologists are doing to improve sustainability in the field
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Between 2022 and 2023, anesthesiologists in Michigan hospitals affiliated with the Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group (MPOG) achieved a remarkable 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions without compromising patient care or safety standards. The Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists (MSA) commends the efforts of our state’s anesthesiologists in mitigating their climate impact while upholding exemplary levels of patient care and safety.
MPOG, based at the University of Michigan, is a consortium of 70 hospitals in Michigan and around the country tasked with promoting safe and evidence-based care for patients undergoing surgery. The organization has been conducting research and offering quality-improvement data and guidance around sustainable practices in anesthesia care for several years.
“Michigan’s MPOG hospitals have made some impressive progress to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dr. Nirav Shah, MPOG quality improvement director. “This will have a positive effect for public health by improving our air quality while maintaining the already high quality of patient care.”
MPOG collected data across its partner organizations has demonstrated major reductions in the two most potent greenhouse gases that anesthesia providers use. The use of nitrous oxide, known commonly as laughing gas, has dropped across MPOG sites by 50% in the last four years. Nitrous oxide persists in the atmosphere for more than 100 years and breaks down the ozone layer. Additionally, the use of desflurane, another anesthetic agent and potent greenhouse gas, has dropped more than 50% in the last two years.
Hospitals that work with MPOG have access to data across a suite of evidence-based measures that help anesthesiologists reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One option is to choose more modern anesthetic agents that are less harmful to the environment, whenever possible. Additionally, through new technologies, anesthesiologists can tailor the amount of gas delivered to a patient, specific to that patient’s needs. This ensures patients receive the correct amount of anesthesia for the safest and most comfortable experience and less is wasted into the environment.
“Anesthesiologists have a responsibility to help ensure patient safety, and reducing emissions can decrease public health harm without compromising patient care,” MSA president Dr. Michael Lewis said. “We are proud of the work MPOG and anesthesiologists across the state are doing to protect the air we all breathe and ensure patient safety.
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