[Reconciling Sustainability and Hygiene in the Healthcare Sector]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Healthcare Sustainability

Background:

• Climate change is increasing the incidence of infectious diseases in temperate zones.
• The healthcare sector contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions (4.4%).
• Integrating sustainability into healthcare facilities presents complex challenges and opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the complex topic of hygienically safe sustainability in healthcare.
• To identify potential measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in healthcare settings.
• To highlight the role of individual behavior modification in achieving sustainability goals.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on climate change, infectious diseases, and healthcare sustainability.
• Analysis of potential adjustments in healthcare facilities for hygiene and safety.
• Identification of cost-effective measures with high sustainability potential.
• Emphasis on behavioral changes, similar to hand hygiene compliance.

Main Results:

• Numerous sustainability measures can be implemented without compromising hygiene or occupational safety.
• Small, low-cost measures can achieve significant sustainability potential.
• Behavioral modifications are crucial for successful implementation of sustainability projects.
• Practical savings potential exists in areas like glove use, medication handling, and product selection (reusable vs. disposable).

Conclusions:

• Healthcare facilities must address climate change impacts, including emerging infectious diseases.
• Hygienically safe sustainability is achievable and offers significant potential for reducing healthcare's carbon footprint.
• Individual behavior change is a key driver for implementing effective and sustainable practices in healthcare.