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1- Hospital Management Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Vice-Chancellery for Education, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. , eshahbahrami1984@gmail.com
3- Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Economics, Management and Accounting, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.
4- School of Health Management and Information Siences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:   (162 Views)
Introduction: Given the growing volume of hospital waste and the detrimental environmental impacts of the linear economic model, the transition toward a circular economy in hospitals is considered a strategic necessity. This research aimed to identify and classify the factors influencing the implementation of the circular economy in the hospital supply chain.
Methods: This study was conducted using the meta-synthesis method, following the seven-step model of Sandelowski and Barroso. The research population included all articles published in reputable scientific databases from 2015 to 2025, from which 28 articles were selected for final analysis after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Results: In the present study, sub-codes and then 38 axial codes, which represent the factors influencing the implementation of the circular economy in the hospital supply chain, were first extracted. In the final stage, these codes were categorized under seven main dimensions: Governance and Leadership, Organizational Culture and Human Capital, Technology and Infrastructure, External Collaborations and Networking, Operations and Processes Management, Performance Evaluation and Monitoring, and Economic and Strategic Considerations.
Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that the successful implementation of the circular economy in hospitals requires a systematic approach and simultaneous attention to various dimensions. Hospital managers and health system policymakers can utilize the framework presented in this research to develop appropriate operational strategies to facilitate the transition toward a circular economy. Recommended key actions include staff training, establishing incentive systems, developing recycling infrastructure, and strengthening inter-organizational collaborations.
Full-Text [PDF 1373 kb]   (84 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Review | Subject: Health Economics
Received: 2026/01/17 | Accepted: 2026/07/4

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