Objective: High-quality healthcare and environmental sustainability are intrinsically linked. This study developed a comprehensive framework for assessing healthcare services in terms of their environmental sustainability.
Methods: In a systematic literature review, we searched the Web of Science database for articles on the following topics: environmental sustainability in healthcare, impact of environmental sustainability on healthcare quality, and healthcare quality improvement through sustainability initiatives. A total of 18 studies published between 2015 and 2024 were included. The indicators of environmental sustainability in these studies were categorized into the following four types: upstream, on-site, downstream, and overall.These indicators were used to assess the environmental impact of healthcare.
Results: In terms of environmental sustainability, health-care institutions currently primarily focus on on-site energy management and facility design. However, greater attention should be given to the environmental impact of the upstream supply chain, particularly in terms of procuring food, drugs, and equipment, as well as the downstream impact of waste on patients’ long-term health and on the community. Moreover, although overall indicators reflect an institution’s environmental strategy, specific quantitative indicators remain to be established.
Conclusion: Environmental sustainability is an integral component of healthcare quality. Studies should develop more comprehensive indicator systems that expand the scope of assessment to encompass the entire healthcare value chain.This would enable a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impact of healthcare services.