Textile based medical devices and their role in sustainable health systems

Morris, Holly Victoria

Abstract

The field of medical textiles is one of the fastest growing areas within the technical textiles sector of the textile industry. Part of this expansion is because of advances in technology, such as nanotechnology, electrospinning, and the ability to incorporate molecules (such as antimicrobials) into textile structures. Part is due to need. For example, the Covid-19 pandemic drove a surge of interest into the role that antimicrobial textiles may play in healthcare to prevent the spread of infection. The pandemic also highlighted the importance of resilience within the healthcare supply chain to ensure continuous supply.

As political agendas have focused upon the carbon footprint of society and creating a sustainable society, attention has turned towards the carbon footprint generated by the healthcare sector. Textiles account for a significant proportion of hospital waste and the use of disposable textiles rather than reusable textiles significantly alters the carbon footprint generated by the sector.

This critical commentary examines the body of work defining the medical textile field in current times. In turn it discusses current limitations within the evolving arena of antiviral and antimicrobial textiles. Attention is paid to the generation of medical waste and the textile constituents of waste before discussing how the implementation of a circula r economy within the medical textiles sector could produce a positive impact upon the carbon footprint of healthcare and contribute to a sustainable healthcare system.

Thesis Type	Thesis
Deposit Date	Oct 28, 2024
Publicly Available Date	Oct 28, 2024
Public URL	https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/956321
Additional Information	PhD by publication.
Award Date	2024-10

Textile based medical devices and their role in sustainable health systems

Morris, Holly Victoria

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