Sustainability-oriented innovation in the health care supply chain

Abstract

Embracing a sustainable approach in health care supply chains entails improving organizational practices and processes adopting innovative sustainable practices that contribute positively to public life quality. Although there have been significant research contributions toward the adoption of innovations in health care and the incorporation of sustainability in health care supply chains, there has been scant research that has collectively considered sustainability and innovation in health care supply chains. Our work attempts to address this research gap. The main objective of this research is to propose a sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI)-driven assessment guide and decision-making framework for health care managers to enhance sustainability. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework, health care experts from seven large renowned UAE-based hospitals were interviewed to assess health care SOI criteria by using a group multicriteria decision-making method (MCDM). The results of this study indicate the need to increase knowledge and clarity regarding SOI to advance the health care industry. The SOI framework is used as a guide for administrative managers and decision-makers in the health care industry. It can help assess and enhance health care sustainability by improving capabilities and implementing innovative practices with available resources. We conclude with a set of topics for further research in SOI practices in the health care sector and its supply chains.