Implementing Reusable Medical Textiles in NHS Operating Theatres: Barriers and Enablers

IF 9.7 1区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL

Journal of Cleaner Production Pub Date : 2025-01-23 DOI:10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.144852

Marie van der Klink, Pelin Demirel

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Replacing resource-intensive single-use medical equipment such as disposable medical textiles with reusable alternatives is of paramount importance for reducing the environmental impact of healthcare. This study investigates the systemwide barriers and enablers/drivers for implementing reusable medical textiles in the UK’s National Health System (NHS) operating theatres (OT). Based on insights from 21 in-depth stakeholder interviews with OT staff, procurers, suppliers, laundering services, and field experts, the study showcases the growing desire of clinicians to shift to a reusable medical textiles system. Yet, financial pressures, lack of integration with the infection control function in hospitals, legacy of customs and practices, supply chain complexities, and a lack of in-house sterilisation and laundry capabilities currently stand as main barriers in the way of adopting reusable medical textiles. Systemwide interventions in education, policy and protocols, and supply chain structures are proposed as the three major avenues to drive the adoption of reusable medical textiles in OTs.

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在NHS手术室实施可重复使用的医用纺织品：障碍和推动因素

用可重复使用的替代品取代一次性医用纺织品等资源密集型一次性医疗设备，对于减少医疗保健对环境的影响至关重要。本研究调查了在英国国家卫生系统（NHS）手术室（OT）实施可重复使用医用纺织品的全系统障碍和推动者/驱动因素。基于对运营技术人员、采购人员、供应商、洗衣服务人员和现场专家进行的21次深入访谈，该研究表明，临床医生越来越希望转向可重复使用的医用纺织品系统。然而，财政压力、与医院感染控制功能缺乏整合、习俗和做法遗留问题、供应链复杂性以及缺乏内部消毒和洗衣能力，目前是采用可重复使用医用纺织品的主要障碍。提出了教育、政策和协议以及供应链结构方面的全系统干预措施，作为推动可重复使用医用纺织品在外地采用的三个主要途径。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Cleaner Production 环境科学-工程：环境

CiteScore

20.40

自引率

9.00%

发文量

4720

审稿时长

111 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Cleaner Production is an international, transdisciplinary journal that addresses and discusses theoretical and practical Cleaner Production, Environmental, and Sustainability issues. It aims to help societies become more sustainable by focusing on the concept of 'Cleaner Production', which aims at preventing waste production and increasing efficiencies in energy, water, resources, and human capital use. The journal serves as a platform for corporations, governments, education institutions, regions, and societies to engage in discussions and research related to Cleaner Production, environmental, and sustainability practices.