Evaluating the Impact of Surgeon Preference Card Age on Surgical Waste and Costs

Philomena Colagiuri, Kristen Pickles, Rohan Hutchins, Erin Mathieu, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Wiser Healthcare Research Collaboration, Clinical Lead in Nursing, NSW Ministry of Health Climate Risk and Net Zero Unit, Orange Health Service

Surgical Innovation

Published online on May 30, 2026

Abstract

Surgical Innovation, Ahead of Print.
BackgroundDisposal of unused surgical items exacerbates the environmental footprint and costs of hospitals. Surgeon preference cards (SPCs), which specify equipment needed for surgeries, impact inventory control and wasted supplies. This study assessed ...