Abstract
The use of medication contributes significantly to the total CO2 emission caused by the public health sector. Conservative estimates reveal that the amount of medication distributed by public pharmacies but is wasted unused equalizes a total amount of 100 million euro. Data regarding medication waste in hospitals is not yet available. Besides costs, wasting unused medication also has an enormous ecological impact. We analysed the stream of medication waste in our hospital and tried to reduce this by addressing the main causes. Our medication distribution process is mainly based on financial and quality based decisions, but should impact on planetary health not also be included? To realize this, though, both ecotoxicologic data as well as information related to environmental impact of medication production should be available and easily accessible.
| Translated title of the contribution | Medication waste in a hospital setting: concerns and considerations |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Article number | D7044 |
| Journal | Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde |
| Volume | 166 |
| Publication status | Published - 14 Nov 2022 |
Keywords
- Humans
- Prescription Drugs
- Costs and Cost Analysis
- Hospitals
- Cachexia