RFID driven surgical tray rationalisation​

Abstract

Background: Global healthcare is the 5th largest carbon emitter on Earth [1], [2], accounting for 4-5% of global carbon emissions [3]. Audits indicate that over 75% of surgical instruments remain unused at the end of a given surgical procedure [4]. Decontamination accounts for over 85% of the life-cycle carbon footprint of reusable surgical instruments [5]. Optimising surgical trays, therefore, offers a significant opportunity to reduce both carbon and cost. Aims: We set out to identify which RFID tags are most suitable for implementation on surgical instruments, enabling asset tracking across the operating theatre. This would support tray rationalisation, reduce unnecessary decontamination of unused tools, while also improving safety through automated counting to prevent retained surgical items. Methods: A total of 16 RFID tags were evaluated for durability and performance in repeated surgical use, with seven meeting range requirements for asset tracking. Tags were matched to instruments based on size, and surgical teams provided feedback on positioning and usability. Different levels of rationalisation automation were explored, ranging from manual counts and gated checks to near-field automated scanning and room-level wide-field scanning. Results: The different levels of rationalisation automation were successfully deployed within surgical settings. Initial findings indicate strong clinical engagement and a positive response to the proposed system. Conclusion: This early data contributes to the evidence base needed to support wider adoption within the local trust, while demonstrating how digital asset tracking can reduce the carbon footprint of surgical pathways, deliver cost savings, and enhance patient safety.