#247 Nudge Your Way to Greener Pediatric Anesthesia

Anesthesia Patient Safety Podcast

Climate change has arrived in the operating room, and pediatric anesthesiologists are taking action. Dr. Eva Lu-Boettcher, pediatric anesthesiologist and Director of Anesthesia Quality and Safety at the University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital, shares her journey toward sustainable anesthesia after witnessing firsthand the effects of climate change—including her Wisconsin community experiencing the world's worst air quality from wildfires.
The healthcare sector contributes a staggering 8% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, with anesthesia practices like high fresh gas flow during pediatric mask inductions representing significant contributors. Dr. Lu-Boettcher reveals how simple adjustments to match fresh gas flow with a patient's minute ventilation can dramatically reduce carbon emissions without compromising safety or induction effectiveness.
What makes Dr. Lu-Boettcher's approach particularly fascinating is her application of behavioral science and "nudge theory" to achieve lasting change. By implementing default ventilator settings, providing comparative feedback to providers, and creating electronic reminders, her team achieved a remarkable 41% increase in compliance with sustainable practices.
Ready to make your anesthesia practice more sustainable? Listen now to learn practical techniques for greener pediatric anesthesia care that maintains the highest safety standards while protecting our planet. The future of anesthesia must balance excellent patient care with environmental stewardship—and the time to start is now.

For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/247-nudge-your-way-to-greener-pediatric-anesthesia/

© 2025, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Chapters

1. Introduction to Eva Lou Betker (00:00:00)

2. Climate Change and Anesthesia's Impact (00:02:17)

3. Behavioral Science and Nudges in Anesthesia (00:03:47)

4. Sustainable Mass Induction Techniques (00:04:54)

5. Compatibility of Safety and Sustainability (00:09:01)

6. Future of Sustainable Pediatric Anesthesia (00:10:39)

7. Closing and APSF Board Applications (00:12:17)