Sustainable management of medical equipment waste: integration between clinical engineering and environmental management

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20435/vol30iss76.4847

Keywords:

circular economy, hospital management, medical device recycling, electronic waste

Abstract

Technological advancements in the healthcare sector drive the modernization of medical equipment, resulting in a significant increase in the generation of electronic waste, which consists of plastics, metals, and toxic substances. The management of this waste faces regulatory and technological challenges, particularly in developing countries. This article aims to explore, through a bibliometric analysis, the trends and gaps in the scientific literature regarding the management of obsolete medical equipment waste, with an emphasis on recycling practices and the integration of the circular economy, areas that have been little explored in an integrated manner. To achieve this, 73 scientific articles extracted from the PubMed database were analyzed using the VOSviewer software. The results highlighted the need for effective public policies and innovative technologies to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainability in the hospital sector, emphasizing clinical engineering as an essential element for integrating sustainable practices.

Author Biographies

Cezar Di Paula da Silva Pinheiro, Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA)

Doutorando em Ciências Ambientais pela Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA). Especialização em Engenharia Clínica pela Faculdade Unyleya.

Ana Paula da Silva Pinheiro, Faculdade Educaminas

Pós-graduação em Arteterapia pela Faculdade Educaminas. Enfermeira.

 

Raimundo Nonato Nascimento Dias, Universidade da Amazônia (UNAMA)

Graduando em Enfermagem pela Universidade da Amazônia (UNAMA).

Flavio Fagundes de Paula, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL)

Doutorando em Engenharia Civil pela Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL).

References

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Published

2026-02-13

How to Cite

Pinheiro, C. D. P. da S., Pinheiro, A. P. da S., Dias, R. N. N., & Paula, F. F. de. (2026). Sustainable management of medical equipment waste: integration between clinical engineering and environmental management. Multitemas, 30(76). https://doi.org/10.20435/vol30iss76.4847