Environmental Performance Measurement in Hospitals: …
141
4 Content Analysis
The papers were analyzed using a two-fold approach. First, a summary of main objectives and outcomes was prepared, focusing on the review or proposal of frameworks
for the environmental performance measurement in hospitals. Second, the abstracts
of the papers were analyzed using WordCloud
™ . McNaught and Lam (2010) indicate
that word cloud tools can be used to visualize text and supplement content analysis.
Berhanu et al. (2016) present a cross-sectional survey of health professionals
working at health offices, hospitals and health centers in nine districts in Ethiopia.
The study aimed to analyze the readiness of professionals while facing natural disasters. The authors found that although personnel presented a comprehensive view of
disaster impacts, intervention strategies and considerable training were still required.
The researchers underlined the importance of training and indicators related to disaster warnings. They do not propose, however, how to measure environmental performance in hospitals.
Blass et al. (2017) propose a practical approach to measure the environmental
performance of hospitals. The authors developed a framework based on literature
review, field studies, current legislation and best practices. Their approach was tested
in six case studies in Brazil. The framework was regarded as adequate to provide
meaningful indicators that measure and report hospital environmental performance.
“Towards environmentally responsible nursing: a critical interpretive synthesis”
is a review paper by Kangasniemi et al. (2014). It is a study of peer-reviewed papers
published between 2002 and 2012. It sought to review environmentally responsible
practices by nurses. According to the researchers, the field of environmental management and policies require scientific contributions to evidence-based practices.
The study includes theoretical frameworks; it does not directly address performance
measurement.
Laing and Kean (2011) is a practitioner’s paper. The authors discuss the use
of environmentally responsible fabrics in healthcare, called ‘healthcare textiles’ in
their paper. Considering the chemicals used in the fabrics manufacturing process,
their utilization in hospitals can negatively affect the health of patients and healthcare workers. A third-party certification is recommended, highlighting the existence
of other related issues such as local sourcing, durability and standards of performance. Environmental concerns are raised without a more in-depth discussion on
performance measures.
Machado et al. (2015) focus on reducing energy consumption in hospitals. The
researchers propose a three-fold approach based on (a) improvement plans and
assessment management; (b) training and user awareness; and (c) energy diagnosis. It requires employee engagement. This seems to be the main component to be
proposed and provided by the approach. Recommendations are made through guide-
141
4 Content Analysis
The papers were analyzed using a two-fold approach. First, a summary of main objectives and outcomes was prepared, focusing on the review or proposal of frameworks
for the environmental performance measurement in hospitals. Second, the abstracts
of the papers were analyzed using WordCloud
™ . McNaught and Lam (2010) indicate
that word cloud tools can be used to visualize text and supplement content analysis.
Berhanu et al. (2016) present a cross-sectional survey of health professionals
working at health offices, hospitals and health centers in nine districts in Ethiopia.
The study aimed to analyze the readiness of professionals while facing natural disasters. The authors found that although personnel presented a comprehensive view of
disaster impacts, intervention strategies and considerable training were still required.
The researchers underlined the importance of training and indicators related to disaster warnings. They do not propose, however, how to measure environmental performance in hospitals.
Blass et al. (2017) propose a practical approach to measure the environmental
performance of hospitals. The authors developed a framework based on literature
review, field studies, current legislation and best practices. Their approach was tested
in six case studies in Brazil. The framework was regarded as adequate to provide
meaningful indicators that measure and report hospital environmental performance.
“Towards environmentally responsible nursing: a critical interpretive synthesis”
is a review paper by Kangasniemi et al. (2014). It is a study of peer-reviewed papers
published between 2002 and 2012. It sought to review environmentally responsible
practices by nurses. According to the researchers, the field of environmental management and policies require scientific contributions to evidence-based practices.
The study includes theoretical frameworks; it does not directly address performance
measurement.
Laing and Kean (2011) is a practitioner’s paper. The authors discuss the use
of environmentally responsible fabrics in healthcare, called ‘healthcare textiles’ in
their paper. Considering the chemicals used in the fabrics manufacturing process,
their utilization in hospitals can negatively affect the health of patients and healthcare workers. A third-party certification is recommended, highlighting the existence
of other related issues such as local sourcing, durability and standards of performance. Environmental concerns are raised without a more in-depth discussion on
performance measures.
Machado et al. (2015) focus on reducing energy consumption in hospitals. The
researchers propose a three-fold approach based on (a) improvement plans and
assessment management; (b) training and user awareness; and (c) energy diagnosis. It requires employee engagement. This seems to be the main component to be
proposed and provided by the approach. Recommendations are made through guide-