Sustainability in healthcare: 30 ways to help hospitals transition to reusable items
Hospitals use a lot of throwaway items, especially in operating rooms, which creates a lot of waste and pollution. A/Prof Stephanie Best worked alongside PhD student Jess Davies and colleagues to find out why it's hard for hospital staff to switch to reusable items and what might help make the change.
The team talked to 19 people who work at a large hospital in Melbourne, Australia and asked them about the challenges and what they thought might help to make the transition to reusable items. The team found 53 determinants that make it difficult and 44 ideas that might make it easier.
From these conversations, the researchers came up with 30 ways to help hospitals switch to reusable items. These ideas fall into six main areas:
- How to source reusable items from external suppliers
- How to manage supplies that are safe to reuse within the hospital
- How to encourage and make consistent eco-friendly decisions
- How to successfully introduce reusable items
- How to set goals and get leaders involved
- How to create a community where people can share knowledge and learn from each other
These ideas range from individual practices to changes in hospital policies, all based on research about how to change behaviour and aimed at overcoming the challenges found.
With Jess leading Austin Health’s sustainability committee and being an active member of the Lancet commission on environmental sustainability, the team is focused on informing local and international practice.
Davies JF, McGain F, Sloan E, Francis J, Best S. A qualitative exploration of barriers, enablers, and implementation strategies to replace disposable medical devices with reusable alternatives. Lancet Planet Health 2024;8(11):e937-e945. DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(24)00241-9.
