DOI: 10.1017/pds.2026.10533 ISSN: 2732-527X

What does a sustainable hospital look like? Patient perspectives on waste, reuse, and information

Charlotte Harding, Ingrid Moons, Els Du Bois

ABSTRACT:

This study explores patient perspectives on hospital sustainability initiatives. Building on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, 30 interviews with patients reveal support for sustainability such as the use of reusable medical textiles, provided safety and quality are maintained. Patients view sustainability as a hospital responsibility, but value integrating sustainability communication into patient journeys. Informing and engaging patients can help shift sustainability from a background initiative into a trusted part of the healthcare system with patients as informed partners.

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