Measuring environmental performance in hospitals: a framework and process

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreia Pasqualini Blass ◽  
Sergio E. Gouvea da Costa ◽  
Edson Pinheiro de Lima ◽  
Lilian Adriana Borges
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Assessment And Monitoring ◽  
Environmental Performance Assessment ◽  
Review Current ◽  
New Framework

Purpose This paper aims to propose a new framework to define relevant and meaningful indicators for monitoring and assessing environmental performance to improve health-care systems and operations. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review followed by field studies conducted with ten hospitals in the southern region of Brazil underlined the scarcity of consistent frameworks applied in practice to measure, monitor and improve environmental performance. A new framework was developed and proposed to address this issue. The proposed framework is operationalized through a “process approach” and evaluated in terms of feasibility (Can the process be followed?), usability (Is the approach easily followed?) and utility (Are the results useful for managers?). Findings The paper proposes a framework and a process to evaluate the environmental performance in hospitals. Practical implications The proposed framework represents meaningful guidance to managers for strategy formalization, goal setting and environmental performance assessment and monitoring. Originality/value The paper proposes a systematic framework for measuring environmental performance in hospitals drawn from the literature review, current legislation and best practices reported in literature.

scholarly journals Sustainability of Biosimilars in Europe: A Delphi Panel Consensus with Systematic Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 400
Author(s):  
Arnold G. Vulto ◽  
Jackie Vanderpuye-Orgle ◽  
Martin van der Graaff ◽  
Steven R. A. Simoens ◽  
Lorenzo Dagna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Modified Delphi ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Supply Risks ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Biosimilars have the potential to enhance the sustainability of evolving health care systems. A sustainable biosimilars market requires all stakeholders to balance competition and supply chain security. However, there is significant variation in the policies for pricing, procurement, and use of biosimilars in the European Union. A modified Delphi process was conducted to achieve expert consensus on biosimilar market sustainability in Europe. Methods: The priorities of 11 stakeholders were explored in three stages: a brainstorming stage supported by a systematic literature review (SLR) and key materials identified by the participants; development and review of statements derived during brainstorming; and a facilitated roundtable discussion. Results: Participants argued that a sustainable biosimilar market must deliver tangible and transparent benefits to the health care system, while meeting the needs of all stakeholders. Key drivers of biosimilar market sustainability included: (i) competition is more effective than regulation; (ii) there should be incentives to ensure industry investment in biosimilar development and innovation; (iii) procurement processes must avoid monopolies and minimize market disruption; and (iv) principles for procurement should be defined by all stakeholders. However, findings from the SLR were limited, with significant gaps on the impact of different tender models on supply risks, savings, and sustainability. Conclusions: A sustainable biosimilar market means that all stakeholders benefit from appropriate and reliable access to biological therapies. Failure to care for biosimilar market sustainability may impoverish biosimilar development and offerings, eventually leading to increased cost for health care systems and patients, with fewer resources for innovation.

Examining the Opportunities of Social Networking Adoption in the Health Care Systems

2015 ◽  
pp. 173-189
Author(s):  
Peldon
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
The Third ◽  
Healthcare Profession ◽  
Care Systems

Social Network Sites (SNSs) are known for providing the opportunity to quickly spread information faster than any other mode because of its ease of accessibility and ability to reach wider populations. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the opportunities of adopting Social Networking (SN) in the healthcare systems. Based on the current literature review, using a social network will enhance communication, collaboration, connection, coordination, and knowledge sharing. The healthcare profession of Bhutan undertook the survey for this study. Three new factors were generated from this study, namely 4Cs; it was found that the use of social networking enhances communication, coordination, collaboration, and connection with patients and among healthcare professionals. The second factor, Green and Sustainability, social networking enables the reduction of the carbon footprint, and the third factor is Exchange Knowledge via use of social networking.

Feminine? Masculine? Androgynous leadership as a necessity in COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 607-617
Author(s):  
Stacy Blake-Beard ◽  
Mary Shapiro ◽  
Cynthia Ingols
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Style ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Leadership Traits ◽  
Political Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between leaders’ expressed traits and their impact on their country’s COVID-19 outcomes. Some leaders are over relying on masculine traits and dismissing feminine traits. An alternative – androgynous leadership – supports leaders in drawing from the full portfolio of behaviors. Design/methodology/approach This paper has a theoretical approach using an extensive review of the literature. Findings Leaders can take a number of actions to fully embrace androgynous leadership. These actions include building a diverse “tempered” team, communicating with respect, recognizing the impact of framing and moving from autopilot to realizing their best androgynous self. Research limitations/implications Research limitations include a critique of Bem’s framework as outdated and dichotomous; a categorization of feminine, masculine and neutral behaviors that is determined by the authors; and a focus on leadership style that does not take other dimensions, such as health-care systems, into account. Practical implications The authors propose that an “androgynous” leadership style has been used effectively by some political leaders around the globe in the COVID-19 crisis. The COVID-19 context has provided a laboratory for developing and building competence as androgynous leaders. Social implications The mental capacity to look at a situation, pause and explicitly select effective behavior is necessary, but oftentimes, it is not put into practice. By not drawing from a larger portfolio of androgynous behaviors, the opportunity for leaders to their best work is missed. Originality/value There is an acknowledgement of the benefits of the combination of masculine and feminine leadership traits. There are also clear recommendations supporting leaders in developing their androgynous leadership skills.

The making and sustaining of leaders in health care

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry J. Boyle ◽  
Kieran Mervyn
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Triple Aim ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Care Systems

Purpose Many nations are focussing on health care’s Triple Aim (quality, overall community health and reduced cost) with only moderate success. Traditional leadership learning programmes have been based on a taught curriculum, but the purpose of this paper is to demonstrate more modern approaches through procedures and tools. Design/methodology/approach This study evolved from grounded and activity theory foundations (using semi-structured interviews with ten senior healthcare executives and qualitative analysis) which describe obstructions to progress. The study began with the premise that quality and affordable health care are dependent upon collaborative innovation. The growth of new leaders goes from skills to procedures and tools, and from training to development. Findings This paper makes “frugal innovation” recommendations which while not costly in a financial sense, do have practical and social implications relating to the Triple Aim. The research also revealed largely externally driven health care systems under duress suffering from leadership shortages. Research limitations/implications The study centred primarily on one Canadian community health care services’ organisation. Since healthcare provision is place-based (contextual), the findings may not be universally applicable, maybe not even to an adjacent community. Practical implications The paper dismisses outdated views of the synonymity of leadership and management, while encouraging clinicians to assume leadership roles. Originality/value This paper demonstrates how health care leadership can be developed and sustained.

Environmental performance in manufacturing companies: a benchmarking study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Trujillo-Gallego ◽  
William Sarache ◽  
Miguel Afonso Sellitto
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Target Market ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Performance Assessment ◽  
Expert Input

PurposeThis study aims to explore manufacturing companies' environmental performance with the green supply chain management (GSCM) approach, taking into account company size, geographic region, industrial sector, target market and environmental management maturity level.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature review, five propositions were put forward. An empirical study, using survey research, was completed. The survey questionnaire was designed with 46 items, using both the literature and industry expert input. Statistical analysis was employed to test the propositions in a sample of 116 Colombian manufacturing companies.FindingsThe test results indicate that significant environmental performance differences exist, given company sizes and target markets. However, no statistical significance was found involving the geographic region or industrial sector. Significant differences were found in maturity levels between the three clusters identified: reactive, preventive and proactive. Although the companies in the proactive group performed better, they still lagged in green practices that implied integration with suppliers and customers.Practical implicationsThis study provides empirical evidence regarding the profile of those manufacturing companies that achieve better environmental performance. Moreover, the results yield insights for the generation of continuous improvement processes in companies with lower performance.Originality/valueFew empirical studies have been carried out in GSCM that integrate specific factors in the environmental performance assessment of manufacturing companies in developing countries. On the other hand, the results permit the identification of the profile of those companies with greater maturity in their environmental practices.

scholarly journals Clinical Evolution of New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase (NDM) Optimizes Resistance under Zn(II) Deprivation

2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermo Bahr ◽  
Luisina Vitor-Horen ◽  
Christopher R. Bethel ◽  
Robert A. Bonomo ◽  
Lisandro J. González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Catalytic Efficiency ◽  
Catalytic Performance ◽  
System Response ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant ◽  
Care Systems

ABSTRACTCarbapenem-resistantEnterobacteriaceae(CRE) are rapidly spreading and taking a staggering toll on all health care systems, largely due to the dissemination of genes coding for potent carbapenemases. An important family of carbapenemases are the Zn(II)-dependent β-lactamases, known as metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs). Among them, the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) has experienced the fastest and widest geographical spread. While other clinically important MBLs are soluble periplasmic enzymes, NDMs are lipoproteins anchored to the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria. This unique cellular localization endows NDMs with enhanced stability upon the Zn(II) starvation elicited by the immune system response at the sites of infection. Since the first report of NDM-1, new allelic variants (16 in total) have been identified in clinical isolates differing by a limited number of substitutions. Here, we show that these variants have evolved by accumulating mutations that enhance their stability or the Zn(II) binding affinityin vivo, overriding the most common evolutionary pressure acting on catalytic efficiency. We identified the ubiquitous substitution M154L as responsible for improving the Zn(II) binding capabilities of the NDM variants. These results also reveal that Zn(II) deprivation imposes a strict constraint on the evolution of this MBL, overriding the most common pressures acting on catalytic performance, and shed light on possible inhibitory strategies.

First evidences from “lean & safety” projects

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 245-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Crema ◽  
Chiara Verbano ◽  
Maria Laura Chiozza
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Integrated Methodology ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Sustainable Health

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the significant features that characterize these projects: organizational aspects, phases and activities, tools, techniques, practices and key factors for successful implementation. No studies in the academic literature have yet focused on the relation between healthcare lean management (HLM) and clinical risk management (CRM) to enhance multiple aspects of performance, although the possibility of implementing “lean & safety” projects has been highlighted. Design/methodology/approach – Two significant projects have been selected from the same Italian hospital in two different fields of application. Within- and cross-case analyses have been performed to obtain useful findings. Findings – The results suggest that HLM can provide support for CRM, and an integrated methodology should be considered. The first indications concerning how this new synergistic methodology may be developed are provided and these should stimulate future research, testing and exploiting the methodology in other contexts. Originality/value – From the results of this paper, guidelines for the implementation of a “lean & safety” project could be developed to improve the management of clinical processes pursuing multiple objectives. This study could contribute to the development of safer and more sustainable health care systems for the benefit of the entire community.

Do body mass index (BMI) and history of nutritional supplementation play a role in the severity of COVID-19? A retrospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Houra Mohseni ◽  
Shirin Amini ◽  
Behnaz Abiri ◽  
Mojtaba Kalantar
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
History Of

Purpose The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that puts strain on health-care systems. Obesity is considered as a risk factor for the severity of infection. Hypotheses also suggested some nutritional supplements may be useful in COVID-19. This paper aims to assess the role of body mass index (BMI) and nutritional supplements on the severity of COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach This research was conducted on 603 participants (in five groups including: exposure to virus and healthy, COVID-19 positive patients with severity of mild, moderate, severe and death from COVID-19), in age 18 to 65 years. Demographic data and history of nutritional supplements were asked. Anthropometric measurements were measured in a healthy group and in a patient. They were collected by referring to patients' medical records. Findings The mean of BMI in groups with severity symptoms of moderate (27.57 kg/m2), severe (29.70 kg/m2) and death persons (28.13 kg/m2), was significantly higher than healthy (26.70 kg/m2) and mild symptoms (26.57 kg/m2) groups (p = 0.001). The logistic regression shown, the fourth quartile of BMI was significantly associated with occurrence of COVID19, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI): [OR: 1.81, (95% CI: 1.13– 2.89), p-for trend = 0.55]. There was no significant difference in the percentage of vitamin C, D3, Zinc, Iron and multivitamin supplements intake, between groups, in the past six months (p = 0.11). Originality/value This study indicated the role of higher BMI in the occurrence and severity of COVID-19. Researches are not enough to recommend consumption of nutritional supplements for the prevention of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Point-Counterpoint: Active Surveillance for Carriers of Toxigenic Clostridium difficile Should Be Performed To Guide Prevention Efforts

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Clifford McDonald ◽  
Daniel J. Diekema
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Clostridium Difficile ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Value Based Purchasing ◽  
University Of Iowa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
New Guidelines

INTRODUCTION In 2017, the Journal of Clinical Microbiology published a Point-Counterpoint on the laboratory diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). At that time, Ferric C. Fang, Christopher R. Polage, and Mark H. Wilcox discussed the strategies for diagnosing Clostridium difficile colitis in symptomatic patients (J Clin Microbiol 55:670–680, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.02463-16). Since that paper, new guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Society for Health Care Epidemiology have been published (L. C. McDonald, D. N. Gerding, S. Johnson, J. S. Bakken, K. C. Carroll, et al., Clin Infect Dis 66:987–994, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciy149) and health care systems have begun to explore screening asymptomatic patients for C. difficile colonization. The theory behind screening selected patient populations for C. difficile colonization is that these patients represent a substantial reservoir of the bacteria and can transfer the bacteria to other patients. Hospital administrators are taking note of institutional CDI rates because they are publicly reported. They have become an important metric impacting hospital safety ratings and value-based purchasing, and hospitals may have millions of dollars of reimbursement at risk. In this Point-Counterpoint, Cliff McDonald of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discusses the value of asymptomatic C. difficile screening, while Dan Diekema of the University of Iowa discusses why caution should be used.

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