Building consensus in a stakeholder field without common ground. Identifying stakeholder perspectives on the transition towards re-use of medical devices in the Dutch healthcare sector.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The increasing adoption of single-use medical devices substantially contributes to the waste production and therefore environmental impact of the Dutch healthcare sector. To create more circular healthcare, possibilities for re-use of medical devices are explored. As possibilities for re-use such as through technological tools are occurring, it is important to take a step back. First investigate if there already is a common ground among stakeholder, after which possibilities for re-use can be implemented. Method: A stakeholder analysis was performed to learn more about potential barriers and perspectives on the collaboration and implementation needed for re-use of medical devices. Literature is reviewed and reinforced with stakeholder interviews through thematic analyses following guidelines from Braun & Clarke (2006). Results: 12 interviews with participants from 7 different stakeholder-groups were held. Three main factors were identified: lack of awareness, need for a circular business model with support from policies and regulations, and insufficient knowledge sharing between stakeholders. These factors cause the still limited collaboration between stakeholders and the difficulty for identifying detailed implementation strategies. Conclusion: All stakeholders see importance in creating a more circular healthcare system through re-use of medical devices. Despite the common goal, the perspectives on how the transition to re-use of medical devices should look like differ greatly. Pointing fingers to others concerning action and responsibility is a common practice. As a result, a common ground is not yet created. Possibilities for re-use such as through technological tools can therefore experience difficulties when trying to implement. First attention should be given to creating the common ground.