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Sustainable practices in hand therapy: a global perspective
Maryam Farzad1,2, Zaf Naqui3, Joy MacDermid4,5,6
1Hand and Upper Limb Center, St. Joseph's Health Center, School of Physical Therapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Hand Surgery, European Volume
|April 22, 2024
Summary
Hand therapists recognize climate change but struggle to implement sustainable practices in orthotic fabrication due to low awareness and material scarcity. Enhanced education and policy reforms are needed to promote healthcare sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Therapy
- Healthcare Sustainability
Background:
- Healthcare contributes significantly to environmental impact, necessitating sustainable practices.
- Hand therapy, particularly orthotic fabrication, presents opportunities for environmental stewardship.
- This study investigates hand therapists' understanding and application of sustainability in their practice.
Discussion:
- A global survey revealed a disconnect between high climate change awareness (91%) and low sustainability practice (34%) among 113 hand therapists.
- While many attempt eco-friendly orthotic fabrication (57%), knowledge of reusable materials (17%) and effective thermoplastic recycling (74.3%) is limited.
- Key barriers include lack of awareness (59%), material scarcity (56.6%), and time constraints (54%).
Key Insights:
- Significant gap exists between sustainability awareness and practice in hand therapy.
- Limited knowledge and resource availability hinder eco-friendly orthotic fabrication.
- Barriers to sustainable practice require targeted interventions.
Outlook:
- Urgent need for enhanced education on sustainable materials and methods in hand therapy.
- Improved resource availability and policy support are crucial for integrating sustainability.
- Future research should focus on developing and disseminating practical sustainable solutions for orthotic fabrication.
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