Editor’s Note–February 2024

It has been said that species that do not evolve are destined for eventual extinction. While there may be some argument against this statement when applied to the biological world (notable exceptions such as the horseshoe crab or the goblin shark have not changed much physically in thousands or even millions of years), few would dispute its truth in terms of business. This month, we tackle issues that in recent years have forced the healthcare industry, including O&P, to adapt and evolve.

Public and governmental pressure as well as increased personal awareness have pushed sustainable business practices to the forefront. No longer is it enough to follow best practices only for profitability and human resource management; minimizing environmental impact is now an important part of business operations. Factors such as contamination, specialized materials, and the energy required for production of medical materials can make sustainability in healthcare challenging. In “Aiming for Sustainability in O&P,” clinic and manufacturer representatives share their tips for good stewardship while maintaining quality care.