SPD3 – Sustainability in medical devices

Link to EAHP Statements

• Section 1 – Introductory Statements and Governance: Statements – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
• Section 2 – Selection, Procurement and Distribution: Statements – 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4

Abstract

Sustainability is an increasingly important focus for medical devices as they are a crucial aspect of modern medical practice, yet their environmental impact is often overlooked. Medical devices are made from materials that have a significant impact on the environment, and their use can result in hazardous waste and greenhouse gas emissions. It is therefore important to analyse also the environmental impact of medical devices and develop sustainable solutions to meet current and future medical needs, while preserving the patient outcome. Such actions can benefit the environment but need also to take into consideration costs and social impacts. Hospital pharmacists may play a key role in reducing the environmental impact of medical devices and promoting sustainability through three axes of action: better purchasing, better consumption, and better waste management.

This presentation will explore the environmental impact of medical devices, including their use of materials and natural resources, as well as the waste they generate. It will also delve in concrete examples of sustainable practices that hospital pharmacies can adopt and how the industry is tackling the challenge. These include identifying standard criteria to compare and evaluate the total care pathway carbon footprint, selecting medical devices considering standardized sustainable criteria, optimizing consumption practices and implementing effective recycling and disposal practices. We will also hear the perspective of the medical devices industry. They will tell us the actions that are already being carried to address environmental impact, as well as the limitations and challenges they face in implementing a sustainable strategy in the manufacture and supply of medical devices.

Learning objectives

After the session, the participant should be able:

• Understand the environmental impact of medical devices and the importance of sustainable solutions in their use.
• Identify concrete examples of sustainable practices that hospital pharmacies can adopt to promote sustainability in the use of medical devices.
• To understand the levels of action and the challenges faced by industries in terms of sustainable development in medical devices.

Educational need addressed

This conference will allow to understand the environmental impact of medical devices, promote sustainable solutions and the challenges for manufactures to build a sustainable roadmap of innovation. Through the presentation of practical examples and policies, hospital pharmacists will be empowered to take action towards promoting sustainability in the use of medical devices.

Keywords

Devices, environmental aspects, European Commission, law, managed care, management