Advancing Circular Economy in Healthcare: policy evaluation and framework development for Finnish hospitals

Abstract

This thesis investigates the application of circular economy (CE) principles in hospital operations in Finland. It focuses on identifying gaps and opportunities for improved monitoring. A small practitioner questionnaire and policy review were conducted to assess current practices. The findings suggest limited adoption of CE indicators, particularly in waste management and material reuse. Issues such as lack of standardized monitoring frameworks and limited resources were identified. The study proposes a simplified framework for tracking circularity, highlighting areas where hospitals can improve without requiring significant investment. Limitations include a small sample size and reliance on document review rather than on-site measurements. The results provide preliminary guidance for policy and operational improvements, but further research with larger datasets is needed.