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Shaping the Future of Healthcare: Integrating Ecology and Digital Innovation

Author

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  • Domenico Bevere

    (Department of Economics, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy)

  • Nicola Faccilongo

    (Department of Economics, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy)

Abstract

The concept of sustainable healthcare is the subject of an increasingly intense, captivating, forward-looking, yet sometimes still overly theoretical debate. The aim of this contribution is to analyze the current scenarios of ecological and digital transition in the healthcare sector, considering its high energy consumption. In particular, we adopt a holistic and convergent vision of the energy mix and its infrastructure, moving beyond the ideological dichotomy of energy sources. Renewable sources, digital innovations, and the circular economy are seen as playing key roles in the future of the energy sector. In this research, a mixed methodology was employed, combining a questionnaire consisting of 31 questions with semi-structured interviews conducted with the top management of a major player in the private healthcare sector located in southern Italy in 2023. Consequently, we examine the main macro-guidelines of technological development, encompassing enabling technologies, new business models, roles, and professional skills. Based on the analyses conducted, we provide some insights to inform governmental policies and industrial strategies in the near future. Digitalization represents an opportunity to enhance the efficiency of healthcare services, reducing waste and ensuring quality. For instance, digital healthcare solutions enable personalized care on a global scale and offer decision support systems that can enhance overall healthcare performance. However, to maximize the benefits of digital transformation, it is essential to integrate new technologies effectively and sustainably into the existing healthcare ecosystem. A promising example is telemedicine, which can help reduce carbon emissions by decreasing healthcare workers’ travel.

Suggested Citation

  • Domenico Bevere & Nicola Faccilongo, 2024. "Shaping the Future of Healthcare: Integrating Ecology and Digital Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:9:p:3835-:d:1387951
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Justyna Berniak-Woźny & Małgorzata Rataj, 2023. "Towards Green and Sustainable Healthcare: A Literature Review and Research Agenda for Green Leadership in the Healthcare Sector," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Proksch, Dorian & Busch-Casler, Julia & Haberstroh, Marcus Max & Pinkwart, Andreas, 2019. "National health innovation systems: Clustering the OECD countries by innovative output in healthcare using a multi indicator approach," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(1), pages 169-179.
    3. Edina Molnár & Asif Mahmood & Naveed Ahmad & Amir Ikram & Shah Ali Murtaza, 2021. "The Interplay between Corporate Social Responsibility at Employee Level, Ethical Leadership, Quality of Work Life and Employee Pro-Environmental Behavior: The Case of Healthcare Organizations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-16, April.
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