Identify which services are affected by your sustainability initiative, and brainstorm ways that the initiative will improve patient care and outcomes.

Introduction:

The healthcare industry is committed to sustainability. The healthcare industry continues to grow, and so do the environmental concerns. Sustainability in healthcare is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint, reducing waste, and maximizing the use of resources. The implementation of sustainable initiatives in health care is expected to improve patient outcomes and the quality of care. This document evaluates whether the sustainability initiative can improve patient care outcomes.

Patient Services and how the initiative will improve them:

1. Energy Management: The management of energy is critical to sustainable healthcare. The lighting, heating and cooling of hospital buildings use a large amount of energy. Sustainability initiative is aimed at reducing the energy consumption in healthcare facilities by using energy efficient lighting, HVAC systems and renewable sources. It will lower the bills for healthcare facilities, and allow them to redirect resources towards improving patient care. Additionally, a reduction in energy consumption will result in a reduction of carbon emissions, which is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and patients’ health.
2. Waste Management is also a critical component of sustainable health care. Hospitals generate large amounts of waste, which can be hazardous to the environment and patients’ health. This sustainability initiative is designed to help reduce the waste that healthcare facilities generate by using waste reduction programs, recycling initiatives, and proper disposal. Correct waste management reduces the risks of infection and disease among patients, the staff and the local community. The initiative can also free up valuable resources to be used for patient care.
3. Water Management is important for sustainable health care. For patient care, sanitation and cleaning, hospitals use large quantities of water. By implementing rainwater collection systems, water saving practices and technologies that are water efficient, the sustainability initiative will reduce water usage by healthcare facilities. The water bill of the healthcare facility will be reduced and resources can then be used to improve patient care. Additionally, a reduction in water consumption will result in a reduction of energy consumption, which is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and patients’ health.
4. Food Management Food management is an important aspect of sustainable health care. Hospitals provide meals to patients, staff, and visitors, which can have an impact on the environment and patients’ health. By implementing local and organic food, the sustainability initiative hopes to encourage healthy food and promote sustainable eating habits. It will also reduce the carbon foot print of the healthcare facility and encourage healthy eating amongst patients, staff and the local community.

Conclusion:

Conclusion: Sustainability initiatives have a positive impact on the care of patients and their outcomes. These initiatives enhance patient care through a reduction in the spread of diseases and infections among staff and patients. The initiatives also free up valuable resources which can be used to improve patient care. The initiatives improve patient outcomes by promoting healthy and sustainable practices that have a positive impact on the environment and patients’ health. Healthcare facilities must embrace sustainability, and adopt sustainable initiatives to improve patient outcomes and care.

References:

1. World Health Organization (2018). Sustainable Health Care Waste Management: Health and Environment Linkages Initiative. Downloaded from https://www.who.int/heli/risks/medicalwaste/en/
2. Hospitals to Promote a Healthier Environment (2020). Sustainable Food in Healthcare. Retrieved from https://practicegreenhealth.org/topics/sustainable-food-healthcare
3. American Society for Healthcare Engineering. (2020). The Energy for Care. Energy to Care. https://www.energytocare.com/