Sustainable Healthcare Practices: The Role of Nursing Technicians in Promoting Environmental Sustainability under Saudi Vision 2030
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Abstract
The healthcare sector contributes significantly to environmental pollution and climate change, necessitating the adoption of sustainable practices to mitigate its ecological impact. In Saudi Arabia, the Vision 2030 plan emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability and the role of healthcare professionals in promoting eco-friendly practices. This systematic review aims to explore the role of nursing technicians in promoting environmental sustainability in healthcare settings under the Saudi Vision 2030 framework. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2023. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords related to nursing technicians, environmental sustainability, healthcare practices, and Saudi Arabia. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings highlight the critical roles of nursing technicians in implementing sustainable healthcare practices, such as waste management, energy conservation, water efficiency, and green procurement. Key factors influencing the adoption of sustainable practices include education and training, organizational support, interprofessional collaboration, and policy and regulatory frameworks. The review also identifies challenges and barriers to the implementation of sustainable practices, such as limited awareness, resource constraints, and resistance to change. The findings of this review have significant implications for nursing practice, education, and policy in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for strategic initiatives to empower nursing technicians in promoting environmental sustainability and achieving the goals of Vision 2030.