Introduction

Eco-Assistive Device Care

The quest for environmental sustainability is influencing industries on a global scale to adopt Circular Economy principles, which focuses on how cutting assistive device cost, reducing waste through the reuse and recycling of materials.

Yet, the medical device sector has been hesitant due to concerns over infection risks and device performance associated with reusing equipment. Consequently, medical devices are often labeled as Single Use Devices (SUDs) by Original Equipment Manufacturers and Regulatory Bodies. Nonetheless, the drive to weave Circular Economy concepts into the medical device field is intensifying, propelled by the global push towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12, which champions sustainable consumption and production.

This has led to countries like Australia, Germany, Canada, and the UK integrating circular approaches into their medical device sectors, while others such as France and South Africa have banned the reuse of second-hand medical devices.

Problem

High Cost of Medical Care

The Single Use Device paradigm is a reflection of a Linear Economy, which follows a ‘Take – Make – Use – Dispose’ pattern, characterized by quick turnover and short lifespans of devices, leading to increased consumption and waste.

This approach not only has a detrimental environmental impact but also inflates the cost of medical devices. In South Africa, for instance, this results in medical aid members paying significantly more from their own pockets, while the majority without medical insurance face hurdles in accessing private care.

Thus, the prevailing linear economic model presents financial, environmental, and social barriers to obtaining affordable, sustainable, and inclusive healthcare solutions.

Solution

Assistive Device Storage

Amidst reluctance to embrace circular principles in the medical field, the urgent need for sustainable practices is encouraging a re-examination of current models.

The industry is exploring ways to introduce circularity while maintaining high standards of hygiene and device functionality. One innovative method being considered is an assistive device lock-in strategy. This system allows patients to return assistive devices after recovery or upon receiving a replacement, with the possibility of future reuse. This strategy is compliant with regulations concerning Single Use Devices, as it minimizes the risk of infection and preserves device integrity.

Moreover, these devices would undergo a rigorous refurbishment process for sterilization and repair to further reduce the likelihood of infection and ensure optimal performance.

Sustainability Outcomes

Economic Benefits

Sustainability Outcomes

Transitioning to a circular model could significantly reduce costs for both patients and healthcare systems. Instead of purchasing new devices repeatedly, patients could utilize previously stored devices. Charges would be applied only for storage and refurbishment, potentially reducing costs for off-the-shelf orthotic devices by 52-72%.

Social Benefits

The projected cost reduction would enhance the affordability and accessibility of assistive devices. This could eliminate out-of-pocket expenses, benefiting those not covered by medical aid or dependent on day-to-day benefits, as well as the vast majority without medical insurance in South Africa.

Environmental Benefits

Implementing the lock-in device model would decrease the need for new devices, thereby reducing the rate of replacement, waste production, and environmental damage. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 12, which promotes responsible consumption and production, and Goal 13, which focuses on climate action.

Adaptive Innovation

Sustainable Development Goal 12

Our strategy for device storage lays the groundwork for our innovative efforts to promote the circularity of assistive devices within South Africa.

By leveraging the inventory of stored devices, we can investigate the practicality of repurposing assistive devices for multiple users, challenging the prevailing industry and regulatory norms that favor Single Use or Individual Use Devices. Should the practice of multiple uses prove viable, we would adopt several circular innovations, including trade-in programs or buyback options for assistive devices. These initiatives aim to reclaim value and reduce the environmental footprint of existing products in the marketplace.

Crucially, our research supports the progression of a Product as a Service (PaaS) Circular model, a strategy designed to significantly curb high levels of consumption, frequent replacements, and the generation of waste within the medical industry.Conclusion

Conclusion

In conclusion, the healthcare industry’s move towards a circular economy can be effectively promoted by pioneering strategies that safeguard patient health while simultaneously addressing ecological issues. The potential to repurpose and refurbish personal medical devices offers a viable means towards such progress, ensuring these processes neither undermine the performance of the devices nor increase the risk of infection. By prioritizing the entire lifecycle of medical devices in this manner, the sector is poised to undergo a radical transformation in the way medical devices are utilized and valued.