CircleCare:
Advancing Sustainability in Healthcare Waste Management
WHO’S THE AUTHOR?
Greetings! My name is Rita Pereira Faião, from Portugal, an enthusiastic person that advocates for sustainability.
Very recently I have finished a master's degree in Environmental Management and Sustainability Science at Aalborg University in Denmark.
WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF THE WEBSITE?
As I delved into the intricacies of my master thesis, I realized the importance of disseminating knowledge and fostering dialogue surrounding the integration of circular economy principles in healthcare waste management.
Thus, the idea for this website emerged—a virtual space to share my research.
“I invite you to embark on this journey with me, a journey fueled by curiosity, passion, and a shared commitment to creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. Together, let us explore the boundless possibilities of circular economy principles in healthcare waste management and pave the way for a greener, healthier planet. “
WHY MAKE HEALTHCARE WASTE MANAGEMENT MORE SUSTAINABLE?
Healthcare waste management is not just about discarding used materials—it's about safeguarding our planet and our well-being.
Mismanagement of healthcare waste can have wide-ranging consequences, such as contaminating soil, water and air,
and presenting health risks to the general public.
From innovative recycling initiatives to responsible disposal methods, the journey towards sustainable healthcare waste management is a vital step towards a healthier, greener future for us all.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY?
energy efficiency
water efficiency
COST REDUCTION
Resource Optimization
Staff Engagement
Operational Sustainability
Adopting circular economy principles in healthcare waste management is crucial for reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
By transitioning from a linear to a circular model, healthcare facilities can minimize waste, enhance resource efficiency, and reduce costs.
This shift not only benefits the environment but also creates a more resilient and sustainable healthcare system.
THESIS SECTIONS
This thesis investigates the integration of circular economy principles into healthcare waste management at Beja Hospital in Portugal. It aims to evaluate current practices, identify key challenges, and propose strategies for implementing more sustainable waste management solutions in the healthcare sector.
Here are the sections into which the thesis is divided:
PORTUGUESE HEALTHCARE WASTE SYSTEM
CASE STUDY
INTERVIEWS
CHALLENGES
RECOMMENDATIONS
PORTUGUESE HEALTHCARE WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Current Practices
Heavy reliance on disposable medical devices.
Lack of collaboration between stakeholders.
Environmental Impact
Significant contributions to national emissions.
Predominantly general waste, including non-plastic and plastic materials.
Systemic Issues:
Lack of a comprehensive framework for circular economy adoption.
Need for robust communication channels among stakeholders.
CASE STUDY OVERVIEW
Location
Hospital de José Joaquim Fernandes,
Beja, Portugal.
Focus
Integrating circular economy principles into healthcare waste management.
Method
On-site visit and interviews with key stakeholders.
Analysis of waste generation, segregation, and disposal practices.
Stakeholders interviewed
Engineer responsible for the waste management.
Nurses handling waste daily.
Inês Furtado
General care junior nurse. Nurse for 2.5 years.
Rui Ruivo
Safety Engineer/Unit Coordinator–Quality, Safety and Environment Integrated Systems Office.
INTERVIEWEE’S
João André
Cláudia Sabino
Operating room junior nurse. Nurse for 4 years.
Pediatric emergency senior nurse. Nurse for 34 years.
Nicole Nordart
Tiffany Ramos
Project manager in Team Circular Economy.
Former PhD student in Denmark that focused her research on plastic reduction within operating rooms.
Manuel André
Emergency room senior nurse. Nurse for 35 years.
Akif Görgülü
Chemicals & Plastics Policy Coordinator at Health Care Without Harm Europe.
CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS
The barriers and challenges identified in the literature review were consistent with the insights from the interviews.
Here they are presented:
Economic and Financial Barriers
- High initial investments and ongoing financial burdens.
- Budget constraints leading to the purchase of the cheapest products, which discourages sustainable procurement.
Policy and Regulatory Challenges
- Outdated legislation, such as the 1996 directive, causing inefficiencies.
- Lack of supportive legislation and incentives for circular economy practices.
Organizational and Social Barriers
- Poor design and misconceptions about sustainability.
- Cultural norms and attitudes towards waste disposal hindering adoption.
- Increased workload and space constraints complicating recycling efforts.
Internal Motivation and Awareness
- Need for internal motivation and awareness about material consumption and circularity among healthcare workers.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Communication
- Lack of communication and collaboration between healthcare sector stakeholders, impeding the implementation of circular economy practices.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Policy Improvements
- Enhance regulatory frameworks to support sustainable practices.
- Specific government guidelines to enforce compliance.
Operational Changes
- Reduce single-use items, e.g., gloves.
- Invest in reusable textiles and materials.
Collaboration and Communication
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Promote better information flow and stakeholder engagement.
Educational Initiatives
- Reduce single-use items, Raise awareness about sustainable waste management practices.
- Implement training programs for healthcare professionals.
HOW TO START?
Knowing how to start and can be quite challenging, but don’t worry!
Hop on, and get on the sustainability road!
Here is a roadmap to guide you:
Where you can find me
Professional Email
rfaiao@3drivers.pt
Social Media
Thesis:
Faiao, R. P. (2024). Circular Solutions for Healthcare Waste Management: A Case Study of Beja Hospital, Portugal. Aalborg Universitet.
Available in: https://kbdk-aub.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma9921780099905762&context=L&vid=45KBDK_AUB:DDPB&lang=en&search_scope=Projekter&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&tab=ProjekterSpecialer&query=any,contains,Hospital&offset=0