Patients at the Centre of Circular Healthcare

The transition towards more sustainable healthcare systems requires collaboration across the entire healthcare ecosystem. Alongside healthcare professionals, researchers, industry and policymakers, patients and patient organisations play an essential role in shaping how future healthcare solutions are designed, implemented and experienced.

Within the ENKORE project, patient engagement is recognised as a key element in advancing circular approaches to healthcare and supporting the development of more sustainable practices linked to single-use medical devices.

Healthcare increasingly extends beyond hospital environments. Many medical devices are now used directly in patients’ homes, where patients themselves become active participants in the management, handling and disposal of healthcare materials. Understanding these everyday realities is essential for developing circular healthcare solutions that remain safe, practical and aligned with real needs.

From the early stages of the project, patient experts and patient organisations have contributed their perspectives to support discussions around home-care pathways, device usage and sustainability challenges. Their insights help ensure that project activities remain connected to the practical experiences of care and reflect the expectations and concerns of patients.