Sustainable healthcare: Transitioning from disposable to reusable suture kits in Region Hovedstaden: Sustainable healthcare: Transitioning from disposable to reusable suture kits in Region Hovedstaden
Translated title
Sustainable healthcare: Transitioning from disposable to reusable suture kits in Region Hovedstaden
Author
Petersen, Liv Bui
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2026
Submitted on
2026-06-04
Pages
43
Abstract
This thesis examines how the Capital Region of Denmark can move from single-use suture kits to reusable alternatives to help meet its 2030 sustainability goal and promote more sustainable healthcare. Using a case study of the Emergency Department at Bispebjerg Hospital, it looks at the everyday operational and logistical steps needed to replace disposable kits. Suture kits are the sets of tools used to stitch wounds; the study maps the life cycle of disposable kits to pinpoint the stages with the highest environmental impact (hotspots) and pairs this with a cost analysis of reusable kits. It identifies key barriers and opportunities that affect implementation, including knowledge gaps, logistics, and established work routines and behaviors. The analysis weighs potential costs and benefits from both economic and environmental perspectives. Together, the results offer practical guidance on how the region can phase out disposable suture kits and support a broader shift toward sustainable healthcare.
Specialet undersøger, hvordan Region Hovedstaden kan gå fra engangs-sutursæt til flergangs-sutursæt for at nå 2030-målet for bæredygtighed og fremme mere bæredygtig sundhed. Med et casestudie af Akutmodtagelsen på Bispebjerg Hospital belyser det de daglige driftsmæssige og logistiske skridt, der kræves for at erstatte engangssæt. Sutursæt er udstyr til at sy sår; studiet kortlægger engangssættets livscyklus for at pege på de faser med størst miljøpåvirkning og sammenholder dette med en omkostningsanalyse af flergangs-sutursæt. Det identificerer centrale barrierer og muligheder for gennemførelse, herunder videnshuller, logistik samt vaner og adfærd. Analysen afvejer potentielle omkostninger og gevinster ud fra både økonomiske og miljømæssige perspektiver. Samlet giver resultaterne praktisk vejledning i, hvordan regionen kan udfase engangs-sutursæt og understøtte en bredere omstilling mod bæredygtig sundhed.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
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