Preference Card Campaign Targets OR Waste

Preference cards influence nearly every surgical procedure, yet many are rarely reviewed after they are created. Over time, outdated cards can result in unnecessary supplies being opened, increased costs, workflow inefficiencies, and avoidable waste. The ACS SUSTAIN Collaborative’s Preference Card Optimization Campaign offers surgical teams a practical, low-burden opportunity to address these issues while improving OR efficiency and resource stewardship.  

The ACS SUSTAIN Collaborative is a community for surgeons and the broader surgical care team focused on advancing sustainable, high-value surgical care through education, collaboration, and initiatives. 

Running through August 2, 2027, the campaign brings surgeons and perioperative teams together to review and optimize one or more preference cards. Participation is simple: teams review at least one preference card, use the campaign resources and webinars, implement at least one improvement, and share lessons learned when possible. 

The campaign emphasizes rapid-cycle improvement. Teams can work within their existing processes while potentially reducing waste, supply costs, and reprocessing costs, improving OR workflow and turnover, and supporting sustainability and quality improvement efforts. The campaign is open to surgical teams regardless of participation in an ACS Quality Program.  

Surgeons are encouraged to take a leadership role in this national collaborative effort, which also provides opportunities to learn from peers, earn CME credit (pending approval), and help shape future sustainability initiatives.  

Learn more about the Preference Card Optimization Campaign.