There is an increasing awareness of how human activities, such as waste generation, resource consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, affect the environment. Among these activities, healthcare facilities stand out as significant consumers of resources and generators of waste, leading to growing attention. However, transitioning to more sustainable practices necessitates a detailed comprehension of the factors influencing resource consumption and waste generation to facilitate the creation of effective, enduring solutions. The medical care process can be complex and multifaceted. Starting from an initial diagnosis, a patient may go through various phases, such as surgical interventions and recovery periods, each involving specific consumption and impacts. This study proposes a model for schematizing the care process that highlights the interconnections between the various phases of care. This model serves not only to visualise the real journey of the patient but also to investigate the impact of procedures, assessing both environmental effects and effects on patient well-being. In this context, the patient is not just a passive recipient of care but plays an active role in the healing process. Adopting a holistic approach thus allows for the integration of considerations on resource consumption with the effectiveness of treatments and patient outcomes, creating a comprehensive view that embraces both environmental and social sustainability. Exploring these themes underscores the urgency of healthcare policies that holistically promote sustainability, addressing environmental challenges without neglecting the human and clinical aspects of the healthcare system. Through the promotion of sustainable practices, it is possible not only to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare facilities but also to improve the quality and efficacy of the care provided. Healthcare providers can establish a healing environment that promotes the well-being of both the planet and individuals by incorporating sustainability into their daily operations.
Greening Healthcare: An Approach to Assess the Environmental Impact of Medical Procedures
Savio A.;Roletto A.;Marchi B.;Milano G.;Zanoni S.
2024-01-01
Abstract
There is an increasing awareness of how human activities, such as waste generation, resource consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, affect the environment. Among these activities, healthcare facilities stand out as significant consumers of resources and generators of waste, leading to growing attention. However, transitioning to more sustainable practices necessitates a detailed comprehension of the factors influencing resource consumption and waste generation to facilitate the creation of effective, enduring solutions. The medical care process can be complex and multifaceted. Starting from an initial diagnosis, a patient may go through various phases, such as surgical interventions and recovery periods, each involving specific consumption and impacts. This study proposes a model for schematizing the care process that highlights the interconnections between the various phases of care. This model serves not only to visualise the real journey of the patient but also to investigate the impact of procedures, assessing both environmental effects and effects on patient well-being. In this context, the patient is not just a passive recipient of care but plays an active role in the healing process. Adopting a holistic approach thus allows for the integration of considerations on resource consumption with the effectiveness of treatments and patient outcomes, creating a comprehensive view that embraces both environmental and social sustainability. Exploring these themes underscores the urgency of healthcare policies that holistically promote sustainability, addressing environmental challenges without neglecting the human and clinical aspects of the healthcare system. Through the promotion of sustainable practices, it is possible not only to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare facilities but also to improve the quality and efficacy of the care provided. Healthcare providers can establish a healing environment that promotes the well-being of both the planet and individuals by incorporating sustainability into their daily operations.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
