Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Recovering value from used medical instruments: a case study of laryngoscopes in England and Italy

Viani, C., Vaccari, M. and Tudor, T. L. (2016) Recovering value from used medical instruments: a case study of laryngoscopes in England and Italy. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 111, pp. 1-9. 0921-3449.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: The healthcare sector has a relevant environmental footprint because of the significant materials throughput, the hazardousness of certain wastes it generates and the energy intensive treatment necessary to manage them. Using semi-structured interviews carried out with stakeholders from hospitals in England and Italy, this study sought to understand how best to recover value from used laryngoscopes. The findings suggest that despite differences in the use of single use instruments and the presence of a dedicated waste management department, sites in both countries face similar challenges, including limited communication between procurement and waste management staff, staff engagement, and end markets. The implications of these challenges and strategies for overcoming them are discussed.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Circular economy, healthcare waste, medical waste, laryngoscopes, medical devices
Subjects: T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD783 Municipal refuse. Solid wastes > TD793.9 Waste minimisation
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences > GE300 Environmental management
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA565 Environmental health > RA567.7 Medical wastes
Creators: Viani, Costanza, Vaccari, Mentore and Tudor, Terry L
Publisher: Elsevier
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Environmental Science
Date: 6 April 2016
Date Type: Published Online
Page Range: pp. 1-9
Journal or Publication Title: Resources, Conservation and Recycling
Volume: 111
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2016.03.025
ISSN: 0921-3449
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/8436

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