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Sustainability in medicine
Medical care is essential for survival and probably living beings. However, the current practice of medicine and health care in many sustainability is critical of sustainability. From the flooding of disposable material and growing energy consumption to the mass production of medication, which is often under conditions that damage the environment and increase the worldwide social injustice. To change this, the concept of sustainability in medicine is increasingly coming to the fore. Sustainability in medicine - an overview The phenomenon of sustainability is a wide and multi -layered term that includes three main elements: the economic, social and ecological dimension. ...
Sustainability in medicine
Medical care is essential for the survival and well-being of living beings. However, the current practice of medicine and healthcare is critical to sustainability in many ways. From the flood of single-use materials and growing energy consumption to the mass production of medicines, often in conditions that harm the environment and increase global social injustice. In order to change that, the concept of sustainability in medicine is becoming more and more important.
Sustainability in medicine - an overview
The phenomenon of sustainability is a broad and multi -layered term that includes three main elements: the economic, social and ecological dimension. These elements are closely connected and contain resource -efficient practices, social justice and environmental protection.
Economic dimension
The economic dimension of sustainability in medicine relates to efficient and cost -effective health services. For example, it is about the use of resources, reducing waste and overuse of medical services.
Social dimension
Social sustainability in medicine refers to the fair distribution of health services and access to these services for all persons, especially for the most marginalized and vulnerable population groups.
Ecological dimension
Environmental sustainability in medicine refers to minimizing the environmental footprint of healthcare. This affects both the care practices and behavior of healthcare providers as well as the production conditions of medications and medical devices.
Challenges and possibilities of sustainability in medicine
Medicine and healthcare faces a number of challenges when it comes to becoming more sustainable. However, there are also a variety of ways to deal with these challenges and to promote sustainability in medicine.
Reduce waste and improve resource efficiency
A central aspect of sustainability in medicine is reducing waste. Waste comes in many forms, such as overdiagnosis and overtreatment, but also unnecessary procedures that result in high consumption of resources.
Improving resource efficiency is another important part of sustainability in medicine. This means that not only less resources are used, but also that these resources are used more efficiently.
Implementing sustainable practices
There are a variety of practices that can help promote sustainability in medicine. These include, for example, reducing the use of single-use products, promoting renewable energy in hospitals and clinics and sustainably managing medical waste.
Promotion of social justice
To promote social justice in medicine, health services must be distributed equally and fairly. This means that all people, regardless of their social, economic or cultural background, should have access to these services.
Sustainability in medicine: case studies and examples
There are many positive examples of how sustainability has been implemented in medicine. Here are some of them:
The Jena model
Jena University Hospital in Germany has developed a "Green Hospital" concept that reduces the hospital's energy consumption while improving patient care. The concept includes a series of measures such as the use of solar energy and heat recovery, the reduction of single-use products, the sustainable management of medical waste and the implementation of environmental management systems.
The Freiburg model
The University Hospital Freiburg has launched a "Green Pharmacy" initiative that aims to make the production and use of medication more sustainable. The initiative includes the promotion of drug security, the avoidance of a waste of medication and the consideration of ecological aspects in pharmacy practice.
Conclusions and outlook
It is clear that sustainability plays an important role in medicine and will become even more important in the future. The challenges are great, but so are the opportunities. With the right strategy, political will and commitment from healthcare providers, medicine can make a significant contribution to sustainability while ensuring high-quality, equitable and efficient healthcare. It is time for sustainability in medicine to be understood and lived not only as a goal, but also as a practice.