How important is green in the overall purchasing decision for health care products and supplies? Defend your answer.

Week 1 Discussion Topic:

Due 12/3

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

• How do you define sustainability in health care?
• What opportunities exist in your organization for meaningful dialogue about sustainable practices?

Post 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member

Classmate A

Danielle G.

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Hello class,

Sustainability in a general sense is the reduction in consumption of resources and materials to establish ecologic or economic balance. In relation to healthcare, it is more about reducing the environmental impact of the healthcare system while maintaining the health of the population and minimizing the impact to resources and other systems (Trivitron Healthcare, 2020). Healthcare over the years has made efforts to become “greener” by reducing medical and toxic waste, carbon emissions and harmful effects that can create more health problems in the community. However, there is still a good deal of work to be done to become fully sustained. Hospitals have moved the initiative from the back burner and made sustainability more of a priority given research that much of our environmental waste comes from healthcare (Advisory Board, 2015).

In my organization, I have not heard much about sustainability and conservation in practice. The organization has always been accepting of employee and patient feedback. I think the best opportunity currently is to present the issue at the regular town hall meetings held for staff, where the president of the hospital discusses new ideas, changes and progress for the hospital, and also accepts any concerns staff have about any issues. It might be better to start small, asking within my department first at those smaller meetings if there are plans for change and sustainability.

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Classmate B

Stephen B.

Hello all,

I am looking forward to learning in this course. In the week one discussion, we are tasked with discussing the following:

How do you define sustainability in health care? In my mind, I see sustainability in healthcare as being a way for all employees, supervisors, stakeholders, and patients finding a way to co-exist so to speak. Sustainability is a way of making changes for an eco-friendly environment. Take for example, changing to more energy efficient light bulbs, or switching to recyclable bags are ways to assist with developing sustainability. Cutting back on waste, preventing fraud and abuse are also great ways to assist with developing sustainability in healthcare.

What opportunities exist in your organization for meaningful dialogue about sustainable practices? I am employed with the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Administration in Columbus Ohio. We have annual training and specific courses that we are required to take. We have courses on fraud, waste, and abuse and ways to assist with making the environment better for all staff, patients, and anyone else that are stakeholders as well. We have implemented policies to ensure that carbon emissions, as well as other harmful factors for the environment are taken into consideration and eliminated as best as possible. There are numerous strategies, that the VA uses for improving sustainability.

Week 2 Discussion Topic:

Due 12/9

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

• How important is green in the overall purchasing decision for health care products and supplies? Defend your answer.
• Does purchasing green products impact the supply chain budget? In what way?

Post 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member. (Classmates responses will be posted the week of the due date)

Exam Content

Matrix Analysis of Sustainability Initiative Environment

Due 12/9

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Best practices for health care sustainability must be examined from both environmental and financial contexts. A matrix is a sound method for such an examination.

The top management of your organization has requested that you prepare a matrix analysis of both environmental and financial contexts for your proposed sustainability initiative.

Part I: Matrix analysis

Organize and include the following in your matrix:

1. • Estimated current costs involved in your sustainability initiative’s processes (e.g., staffing, facility, operating, products, services)
   • Estimated cost to implement initiatives (e.g., new equipment, new contracts, or staff)
   • Cost projections after implementation
   • Social and environmental costs
   • Benefits
   • Cost savings, immediate or over time
   • Benefits over time (1 year, 5 years, 10 years, etc.)
   • Local, state, or national revenue sources for your initiative

Part II: Matrix summary analysis

Prepare a 700-word summary of your matrix analysis. Include the following in your summary:

1. • Restate your individual sustainability initiative.
   • Relate how your initiative might impact other sustainability initiatives within your organization.
   • Describe various environmental contexts that could impact your sustainability initiative.
   • Analyze and summarize the financial contexts and implications your sustainability initiative will have on your selected organization.
   • Explain the cost savings and benefits over time.
   • Recommend a local, state, or national revenue sources for your initiative and why you believe the source is appropriate.

Cite 3 reputable references to support your assignment (e.g., trade or industry publications, government or agency websites, scholarly works, or other sources of similar quality).

Format your references according to APA guidelines.

Submit your assignment.

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