Help Shape the Future of Sustainable Operating Theatre HVAC

The University of Melbourne is inviting healthcare engineers, facilities managers and other key hospital stakeholders across Australia to participate in an important research project exploring opportunities to safely improve the efficiency of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in operating theatres.

The project, Setback! Safely improving the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in the operating theatre, is examining how operating theatre HVAC systems can be operated more efficiently while maintaining appropriate indoor air quality and clinical safety.

Researchers are investigating the effects of air change rates and temperature settings on both energy use and indoor air quality, while also exploring the practical barriers and enablers that influence the adoption of HVAC setback strategies within Australian hospitals.

Australia-wide perspectives wanted

To ensure the research reflects the realities of healthcare facilities across Australia, the research team is seeking input from people who are directly involved with operating theatre HVAC systems.

Participants will be invited to share their perspectives, experience and knowledge around current HVAC practices and the acceptability, barriers and enablers associated with implementing optimised HVAC settings in operating theatres.

Participation involves a one-off interview or focus group, which can be conducted either online or in person. Discussions will focus on current practices and the practical considerations associated with introducing HVAC setback strategies within hospital environments.

Participation is entirely voluntary. Discussions are audio recorded, transcribed and de-identified, with identifying information kept confidential and removed from research publications.

Supporting healthcare’s transition to net zero

This research forms part of a broader effort to build the evidence required to make healthcare infrastructure more sustainable without compromising safety or performance.

Findings from the project are intended to help hospitals reduce unnecessary energy use, carbon emissions and costs, while informing future approaches to the optimisation of HVAC systems across Australian hospitals.

The project is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and sponsored by the University of Melbourne’s Department of Critical Care, with collaborators from the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Western Health.

Interested in participating?

Hospital engineers, facilities managers and other professionals involved in operating theatre HVAC systems are encouraged to consider contributing their experience.

For further information about the study or participation, contact:

A/Prof Forbes McGain

University of Melbourne

forbes.mcgain@unimelb.edu.au

+61 3 8344 2324

Your experience can help build the evidence needed to support safer, more efficient and more sustainable healthcare facilities across Australia.