Sustainability in medicine
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. In order to change this, the concept of sustainability in medicine is becoming increasingly 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, the reduction in waste and overgrowth 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
Ecological sustainability in medicine relates to minimize the ecological footprint of health care. This affects both the supply practice and the behavior of the health service providers as well as the production conditions of medication and medical equipment.
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 the reduction in waste. There are waste in many forms, for example through overdiagnosis and over -treatment, but also through unnecessary processes that lead to a high consumption of resources.
The improvement of 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.
Implementation of sustainable practices
There are a variety of practices that can contribute to promoting sustainability in medicine. This includes, for example, reducing the use of disposable products, promoting renewable energies in hospitals and clinics and the sustainable management of medical waste.
promotion of social justice
In order to promote social justice in medicine, health services must be evenly and fairly distributed. This means that all people should have access to these services regardless of their social, economic or cultural background.
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
The University Hospital Jena in Germany has developed a "Green Hospital" concept that reduces the energy consumption of the hospital and at the same time improves patient care. The concept includes a number of measures, such as the use of solar energy and heat recovery, the reduction of disposable 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 safety, 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 the possibilities are too. With the right strategy, the political will and the commitment of health service providers, medicine can make a significant contribution to sustainability and at the same time ensure high -quality, fair and efficient health care. It is time that sustainability in medicine is understood and lived not only as a goal, but also as a practice.