Circular Redesign of the Healthcare Supply Chain: An Empirical Investigation of Medical Device Recovery and Repair

This paper investigates the economic and environmental benefits of integrating recovery agents into healthcare supply chains to close material loops. An in-depth case study is conducted on the recovery and repair of beds and folding wheelchairs, enabled by the integration of a recovery agent into the supply chain of a leading Italian healthcare organisation. The study draws on 48 interviews with key stakeholders and the analysis of 2 years of data on both physical and accounting flows, enabling the calculation of cost and emission savings associated with the redesigned supply chain. The findings contribute to the circular supply chain management research stream by shedding light on the role and impact of recovery agents in the healthcare industry, identifying five factors that affect their ability to enhance the sustainability of healthcare supply chains. Additionally, the paper outlines key considerations for healthcare managers when involving recovery agents in supply chain redesign.