Rethinking Hospital Sustainability: Circular Economy and Health Literacy; Comment on “A Review of the Applicability of Current Green Practices in Healthcare Facilities”

Articles in Press

Document Type : Commentary

Authors

Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

Abstract

Climate change poses critical dangers to both environmental and human health, highlighting the need for sustainable healthcare strategies. In their recent paper, Soares et al explore how circular economy principles can be implemented in hospital settings in order to reduce environmental impact. This commentary expands on their work by highlighting a complementary but underexplored dimension: organizational health literacy (OHL). OHL emphasizes patient education and engagement, recognizing that informed and empowered patients are key to more efficient healthcare use. By enhancing patients’ understanding of their health conditions and care options, OHL helps prevent unnecessary procedures, tests, and hospital visits, thereby indirectly reducing resource consumption and supporting sustainable practices such as minimizing waste, conserving energy, and promoting telemedicine. In this way, OHL directly supports the operationalization of circular economy interventions described by Soares et al, ensuring their effectiveness and long-term sustainability. Merging OHL with circular economy practices represents a holistic pathway towards sustainable, equitable, and resilient healthcare delivery.

Keywords

References

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International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 11 October 2025

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History

  • Received Date: 01 July 2025
  • Revised Date: 21 September 2025
  • Accepted Date: 30 September 2025
  • First Published Date: 11 October 2025
  • Published Date: 11 October 2025

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