A Systematic Review of Factors Influencing the Adoption of Green Practices Within Healthcare Centers to Mitigate Climate Change.

Abstract

Background: Climate change globally triggers health, environmental, and socio-economic issues, leading to disasters, resource scarcity, inequality, displacement, and security risks. To address the challenges posed by climate change, green practices have emerged as a major solution. This research aimed to identify and categorize the factors that influence the adoption of green practices in healthcare centers.

Methods: This manuscript represents a qualitative thematic content analysis conducted in 2024 that systematically scrutinized literature spanning from 2000 to 2024. Multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, were utilized for the search. A quality assessment using 3 quality assessment checklists for different types of studies was conducted on the final studies, followed by a thematic analysis of the findings obtained from the systematic review.

Results: Twenty-nine references were included in the study as final studies. The quality assessment of these studies delineated their acceptable level of quality and risk of bias. The thematic analysis yielded 2 main themes: facilitators and barriers to the adoption of green practices.

Conclusions and recommendations: The study found several factors influencing the adoption of green practices within healthcare centers. Meanwhile, it was suggested that governments should collaborate with stakeholders to enforce emissions regulations, invest in clean energy, and offer financial incentives for sustainability. Technological advancements can improve renewable energy adoption; However, developing nations may struggle to integrate green practices into healthcare due to resource constraints.