Sustainability in Orthopaedics: Workforce, Wealth and the World

Editorial by Togay Koç, O2 Editor

The three pillars of sustainability; social, economic and environmental, appears to be attributed to Edward Barbier’s publication, 'The Concept of Sustainable Economic Development', from the journal Environmental Conservation published in the summer of 1987. However these concepts pre-date this and represent an amalgamation of different schools of thought converging on a common goal.

Nearly four decades on, these reciprocal concepts are at the forefront of our society, our NHS and Orthopaedics, perhaps more so than ever before as we struggle to attract and conserve health care professionals, to manage the balance of costs and budgeting with high-quality care and minimise our ecological footprint in the face of unprecedented environmental challenges.

Our common goal is to deliver high-quality orthopaedic care efficiently, effectively and economically while avoiding damaging employees, the economy and our ecosystem. Our goal has not been reached.

That change must take place is not up for question. The question is; what can we do, as individuals, organisations and governments to make these changes happen? Before it’s too late.

A series of articles contributed by our members can be found below.