MHACB560_R1
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School
University of Phoenix *
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Course
560
Subject
Health Science
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
1
Uploaded by MegaPolarBearMaster1010
I define sustainability in health care as delivering healthcare in a way that is accessible to everyone in terms of affordability and accessibility. Healthcare should be accessible to everyone
regardless of their income, location, or culture. Additionally, healthcare should be delivered in a
way that is least impactful on the environment. Hospitals can foster a “go green” mindset. This can be done by recycling when able and utilizing solar panels which will minimize their carbon footprint.
As it relates to my current organization, we are fully remote. We are paperless when it comes to the data we review; however, we are still communicating with members and providers
via mail. Sadly, these paper communications are often mandated by the state and aren’t currently avoidable. One could present the data on how much paper is utilized to send these communications (not to mention the fuel emissions from mail carriers) and the cost and energy
savings that would result from ceasing the requirement of paper communications. When we were in office, we were using a lot of products that are considered single use (paper cups, plastic cutlery, etc.). One could discuss with leadership the need to eliminate single use items and how it would be a cost saver to the organization and would also minimize our carbon foot print. Additionally, one could’ve mentioned water saving faucets in the bathrooms. Instead of your traditional faucet, they could switch to faucets that have to be pushed continuously for water flow.
Utilizing “green” products in overall purchasing for health care products and supplies is incredibly important. We have to think about the longevity of our planet. We may find ourselves
being unable to provide for future generations like we are for the current generations. Even items such as bedding can make an improvement and not just for the environment. According to Cohen (2017), “Products like furniture, bedding and medical supplies can contain toxins that are harmful to patients when in use and harmful to the environment when discarded. Because of this, we have found more and more hospitals are using “environmentally preferable purchasing”.” Additionally, the need to reduce carbon emissions is more important than ever. With hospitals operating continuously, hospital energy bills are costly. When switching to renewable energy sources, hospitals can save millions of dollars that can be better utilized elsewhere all while simultaneously saving the planet. The purchasing of green products definitely impacts supply chain budget. Green products such as bamboo cups are more expensive than say Styrofoam cups. Moreover, purchasing and installing renewable energy sources may be more costly up front but over time it will save organizations money. It’s much like putting solar panels on your home. You may have to pay installments on the solar panels, but you will notice your energy bill decreasing over time if not completely. It ends up being a win-win for the home owner and the planet.
References
Cohen, G. (2017). OPINION: HEALTH CARE MAY BE IN A STATE OF FLUX — BUT HEALTH CARE SUSTAINABILITY IS HERE TO STAY. Ensia. https://ensia.com/voices/health-care-
sustainability/
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