Please, read carefully each topic and answer the topic individually with no plagiarism or from other sources such as course hero, etc. Include a citation of the article in your assignment.
Topic 1
Write a 175- to 265-word response to the following:
- How do you define sustainability in health care?
- What opportunities exist in your organization for meaningful dialogue about sustainable practices?
Include 2 citations in APA format.
Topic 2
Selecta health care setting you want to focus on for your sustainability initiative (e.g., local hospital, veteran’s hospital, ambulance service, urgent care, nursing home, etc.).
Analyzethe setting you have selected and break it down to the main departments, employee roles, operating activities, etc. While doing so, brainstorm opportunities to reduce costs or eliminate waste while improving patient care or outcomes.
Reviewthe list of sustainable initiatives from the list below, and select one that you want to promote for your course project:
- Energy efficiency
- Lighting
- IR scanning
- Cogeneration
- Kanban Inventory
- Device exchange
- CR pack reformation
- Device reprocessing
- Red bag waste reduction
- Blue wrap recycling
Note: Ensure that the opportunity you select correlates with the setting you select. Additionally, if you want to complete a sustainable initiative that is not on the list, obtain approval from your instructor before completing the assignment.
Identifydata sources you might need to collect and analyze for your initiative. Consider contacting people in the industry and at your organization who may be able to help.
Writea 525- to 700-word proposal of the sustainability initiative you want to promote at the health care setting you selected. Your proposal should:
- Create a clear vision or mission statement that defines the scope of the initiative and would generate buy-in.
- Define what outcomes you expect to achieve over time.
- Be specific with what you can realistically deliver.
Cite3 reputable references to support your assignment (e.g., trade or industry publications, government or agency websites, scholarly works, or other sources of similar quality).
Formatyour assignment according to APA guidelines.
Topic 3
Write a 175- to 265-word response to the following:
- How important is “green” in the overall purchasing decision for health care products and supplies? Defend your answer.
Include2 citation of your article in your assignment.
Expert Solution Preview
Topic 1:
Sustainability in healthcare is defined as the ability to provide healthcare services without compromising the needs of future generations. It is a set of practices that aim to reduce the impact on the environment, improve public health outcomes, and enhance social responsibility. According to Kutscher and Brunnée (2019), healthcare sustainability must address three factors: environmental, economic, and social. The healthcare industry must reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, reduce waste, and use renewable sources of energy.
In my organization, there are various opportunities for meaningful dialogue about sustainable practices. For instance, during team meetings and performance reviews, I share progress on sustainability measures and discuss how my colleagues can contribute. Additionally, there are trainings and workshops available, which employees can attend to understand the principles of sustainability and how to integrate them into their work processes.
Citations:
Kutscher, C., & Brunnée, J. (2019). Global Health Law: A Definition and Grand Challenges. In Global Health Law (pp. 3-25). Springer, Cham.
Topic 2:
The healthcare setting I wish to focus on for my sustainability initiative is a local hospital. The hospital has different departments such as emergency, outpatient, inpatient, childcare, and pharmacy. The main employee roles in the hospital include doctors, nurses, administrative staff, and support staff. The hospital’s operating activities include providing medical services to patients, managing prescriptions, managing documents and records, and maintaining equipment and facilities.
The sustainable initiative I wish to promote is energy efficiency. This initiative will aim to reduce the amount of energy consumption in the hospital by adopting practices that conserve resources and reduce waste. Some opportunities to reduce costs or eliminate waste while improving patient care or outcomes include implementing energy-efficient lighting systems, reducing water usage, replacing equipment with energy-efficient models, and optimizing HVAC systems.
To collect and analyze data for my initiative, I will need to obtain energy consumption reports from the hospital’s facilities management team. I will also contact energy auditors and other stakeholders in the healthcare industry who can provide insights into sustainable initiatives.
My proposal for the sustainability initiative will have a clear mission statement that defines the scope of the initiative and its goals. The proposal will also outline the expected outcomes and the steps to achieve them. Additionally, it will be specific about what is realistically deliverable within the given timelines.
References:
1. Faber, J., & Siemiatycki, M. (2018). Health care organizations’ sustainability strategies: A case study analysis of leading practices. Journal of Healthcare Management, 63(1), 41-51.
2. Han, I., & Kim, Y. (2020). Impacts of sustainable initiatives on operational performance and financial outcomes: a study on US hospitals. Journal of Cleaner Production, 277, 123280.
3. Healthcare Energy Data. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2021, from https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/healthcare_energy_data
