Lean Management Framework in Healthcare: Insights and Achievements on Hazardous Medical Waste
Source abstract
Abstract
Hazardous medical waste (HMW) presents significant environmental and public health challenges, particularly in the context of rising healthcare demands and the global push for sustainable resource management. This study investigates the evolution of HMW management through a bibliometric and thematic analysis of 1703 articles published between 2020 and 2025, retrieved from the Web of Science database. Using VOSviewer, co-occurrence mapping and term clustering reveal six major conceptual domains, including thermal treatment technologies, operational optimization, environmental indicators, and behavioral dimensions. This study adds value by applying a dual bibliometric–thematic lens to provide new insights into the operational, technological, and sustainability dimensions of HMW. The analysis identifies a gradual shift from traditional disposal methods to circular models focused on resource valorization through pyrolysis, gasification, and sterilization. Lean management principles—such as process efficiency, waste minimization, and the promotion of recovery and reuse—emerge as complementary to circular economy goals. Additional visualizations outline international collaboration trends, highlighting established research hubs and emerging contributors. The findings emphasize the role of data-driven decision tools, sustainability assessment methods, and cross-sectoral integration in enhancing medical waste systems.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Healthcare and Environmental Waste Management
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Doctoral School of Environmental Science, Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babeș-Bolyai University, Fantanele Street, 30, 400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babeș-Bolyai University, Fantanele Street, 30, 400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Mechanical Engineering Department, Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti, 100680 Ploiesti, Romania
Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu-Mures, Nicolae Iorga Street, 1, 540088 Targu-Mures, Romania
Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu-Mures, Nicolae Iorga Street, 1, 540088 Targu-Mures, Romania
Doctoral School of Letters, Humanities and Applied Sciences, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 38, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
School of Advanced Studies of the Romanian Academy, Calea Victoriei, 125, 010071 Bucharest, Romania
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