Reimagining sustainable medtech
Better for patients, better for the planet
Healthcare emits 4.4 percent of global carbon emissions with 70 percent coming from supply chains. As purchasing behaviours shift and new regulations loom on the horizon, medical device manufacturers are under pressure to deliver safe, sustainable solutions. Connected home healthcare offers additional challenges, placing responsibility on patients to handle device-related waste.
A new approach to the development of connected home healthcare devices is required – one which prioritises design for sustainability.
Our report explores how the medtech and healthcare industry can home in on connected medical solutions that reduce carbon – at the same time as improving the end-to-end experience for patients, professionals, and payers.
Key takeaways
- Identify the most significant areas of carbon impact of connected medical devices using Life Cycle Assessments – from cradle-to-gate to cradle-to-grave.
- Pinpoint the most appropriate strategies for connected medical devices without compromising on functionality, reliability, and efficacy of treatment.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the stakeholder landscape – including patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and payers.
- Access research into the sustainability impact of six leading Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and apply the learnings to your connected home care products.
While designing and developing new consumer electronics for our clients, we obsess over every gram of plastic used to reduce its carbon footprint. But despite this, every 10 days I have to throw away this CGM applicator, the size of a computer mouse, because it is single use and non-recyclable in nature.”
How we can help
As a global innovation consultancy building a positive human future, we’re on a shared journey with our clients to rethink and re-imagine products, services, and business models.
Working with clients across the value chain, our team takes a holistic view to find the best sustainability strategies:
Transform medical waste and by-products into valuable materials or energy.
Redesign supply chain processes to enhance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
Focus on sustainability, user safety, and effectiveness – encompassing eco-friendly material selection, innovative design for reuse or recycling, and compliance with medical standards.
Reduce the risk of user error, enhance patient outcomes, and promote sustainable product use through intuitive design and user engagement.
Create seamless, efficient, and sustainable healthcare services around medical products.
Conduct comprehensive market and environmental research to inform sustainable product development strategies.
Incorporate digital health solutions such as telehealth, wearable technologies, and AI-driven diagnostics to reduce physical resource dependence and enhance efficiency and accessibility.
Navigate the complex regulatory landscape of medical products while emphasising sustainability.
Embed educational materials and programmes into service designs, informing patients about the sustainable use and disposal of medical products to enhance positive impact on society and the environment.
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