Vall d’Hebron has been recognized with the 16th ANECORM Research Award, granted by the National Association of Nursing Coordinators of Material Resources (ANECORM), for the project titled "Value-based purchasing in laparoscopic surgery: comparative evaluation of the cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability of reusable versus single-use trocars."

This award highlights the work of Vall d’Hebron’s Nursing Team for Equipment and Healthcare Product Management, led by Isabel María Garlito Pérez, Deputy Director of Nursing, Equipment and Healthcare Product Management, and principal investigator of the project, together with co-authors María Mercedes Alarcón Martínez, Raquel Corredor Cazcarro, Yolanda Domingo Gásquez, Núria García Rodríguez, and Carolina Gómez Mohen.

Innovation for a more efficient and sustainable healthcare system

The award-winning study evaluates the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of replacing single-use surgical instruments with reusable alternatives in laparoscopic surgery. From a value-based purchasing perspective, the project analyzes not only direct acquisition and maintenance costs but also clinical safety, logistical feasibility, and the environmental footprint of the materials.

Preliminary results indicate that reusable trocars can be a more sustainable and cost-effective option without compromising patient safety. This approach could help reduce medical waste and promote more rational management of hospital resources.

Nursing: key in strategic resource management

The project emphasizes the strategic role of nursing in the selection and management of healthcare products, establishing it as an essential agent in clinical, economic, and sustainable decision-making within hospitals.

According to principal investigator Isabel María Garlito Pérez" this work demonstrates that nursing can and should lead the evaluation of healthcare products based on value, efficiency, and sustainability. Deciding which materials are used is not just an economic matter but a strategic decision that directly impacts care quality and environmental protection."

With this recognition, Vall d’Hebron reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management. The project aligns with the green and sustainable purchasing policies of the Generalitat of Catalonia and with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, contributing to a more efficient, responsible, and environmentally friendly healthcare system.