Stock Management and Sustainability: Reducing Resource Waste in Medical Practice

Stock management and sustainability in medical practice are increasingly relevant topics in the healthcare field. The growing concern over resource waste and the environmental impact of medical materials has led healthcare professionals to seek ways to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact. This article explores how we can reduce waste and improve sustainability in our daily practices.

Diving Deeper into Stock Management and Sustainability

Efficient resource management is crucial for infection prevention and outbreak control in healthcare settings. However, disruptions in supply chains can hinder these efforts, as observed in various public health emergencies. A recent study highlights the importance of supply chains in infection prevention and the specific challenges they face [1].

In the clinical environment, healthcare professionals have the capacity to reduce environmental impact through sustainable practices. For instance, the reuse of medical devices, such as pulse oximeters, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to single-use devices [2]. Additionally, in areas like cardiac catheterization laboratories, opportunities have been identified to optimize resources and reduce waste, which can also decrease operational costs [3].

Sustainability also extends to the management of surgical devices, where improved communication among stakeholders and harmonization of manufacturing and disposal regulations are essential to address sustainability challenges [4].

Conclusions

Reducing resource waste and improving sustainability in medical practice are achievable goals that require a collaborative and conscious approach. By implementing sustainable practices, such as device reuse and supply chain optimization, we can not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. It is essential for healthcare professionals to lead these efforts to ensure a more sustainable future for healthcare.

Referencias

• [1] Resource sustainability and challenges in the supply chain: implications for infection prevention
• [2] Sustainable Purchasing Practices: A Comparison of Single-use and Reusable Pulse Oximeters in the Emergency Department
• [3] Environmental Sustainability in the Cardiac Catheter Laboratory
• [4] Lifecycle of surgical devices: Global, environmental, and regulatory considerations

Created 23/1/2025