Sustainability in Urologic Practices

Assessing Environmental Sustainability in Urologic Practices: A Systematic Review

This research is a two-phase observational study assessing awareness, current practices, barriers, and policy suggestions related to sustainability in urology. The study involves collecting survey data from a broad participant group and conducting a Delphi consensus with experts to develop actionable recommendations.

This study aims to evaluate and promote sustainable practices in urological care by focusing on the environmental impact of urological devices and processes. The study will be conducted in two phases, aiming to assess current practices, challenges, and strategies for reducing the carbon footprint and waste associated with urological procedures, while achieving expert consensus. Participants will include European Association of Urology (EAU) section chairs and board members, ensuring comprehensive analyses and authoritative recommendations.

In the first phase, an online survey will be administered to 150-200 participants. The survey will be distributed via platforms such as Google Forms or Qualtrics and will collect data on awareness, current practices, and challenges related to the environmental sustainability of urological devices. These findings will serve as the foundation for the Delphi consensus process in the second phase.

In the second phase, a Delphi panel consisting of 12-15 experts nominated from EAU sections will conduct a structured consensus process. This process will include three rounds:

1. Round 1: Open-ended questions will be used to gather expert opinions based on the findings of the survey.
2. Round 2: Proposed strategies will be evaluated and prioritized by the panel.
3. Round 3: Consensus will be reached on actionable recommendations for sustainable practices.

Participation in the study will be entirely voluntary, and informed consent will be obtained from all participants. All data collected during the survey and Delphi processes will be anonymized and used solely for the purposes of the study. Data will be handled in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable local data protection laws.

Inclusion Criteria:

• EAU Section Chairs and Board Members
• Individuals who voluntarily agree to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who refuse to participate in the study.
• Individuals who do not provide the required information or complete the survey incompletely.