From Agricultural Waste to Clinical Value: An Economic and Operational Analysis of Paddy Straw-Based Utensils in Malaysian Hospital
Author(s)
Noor Syahireen Mohammed, MSc1, Ibtisam Ismail, Bachelor of Health Science2, Mohd Azri Mohd Suan, MSc2, Huan Keat Chan, PhD3, Ramaness Parasuraman, MBA4, Shahida Safirol, BSc4, Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, FRGS2.
1Clinical Research Centre Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institute for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kedah, Malaysia, 2Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institute for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kedah, Malaysia, 3Institute for Clinical Research, National Institute for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia, 4Free The Seed, Kedah, Malaysia.
1Clinical Research Centre Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institute for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kedah, Malaysia, 2Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Institute for Clinical Research, National Institute for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kedah, Malaysia, 3Institute for Clinical Research, National Institute for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia, 4Free The Seed, Kedah, Malaysia.
OBJECTIVES: Healthcare systems face mounting pressure to deliver high-quality care while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, usability, and cost-effectiveness of single-use biodegradable patient care utensils manufactured from locally sourced paddy straw compared with conventional reusable utensils in a Malaysian tertiary hospital setting.
METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was implemented in a three-month pilot study at a state public hospital, replacing traditional bedpans, kidney dishes, and meal trays with single-use biodegradable alternatives. The alternatives were compared to conventional reusable and plastic options following standard sanitation protocols. The evaluation adopted two perspectives: healthcare provider perspective, focusing on direct medical costs, and societal perspective. Primary outcome measures included metrics for operational efficiency assessed through time-motion analysis, direct cost components associated with the operation, and evaluations of staff and patient satisfaction obtained via qualitative interviews.
RESULTS: The introduction of biodegradable single-use utensils enhanced operational efficiency, reducing meal service time from 220 to 85 minutes (61% decrease). Staff noted reduced workload and occupational hazards, while patients appreciated greater hygiene and flexibility. A cost analysis revealed a 12.9% decrease in operational costs tied to meal trays, and both staff and patients reported high satisfaction levels with the use of biodegradable alternatives indicating strong acceptability and patient-centered value.
CONCLUSIONS: Single-use biodegradable utensils improve hospital efficiency, infection control, and sustainability, leading to cost savings and local economic growth. This initiative supported local farmers, contributed to a circular economy, and aligned with national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopting eco-friendly, patient-centered practices empowers healthcare systems to address operational, financial, and ecological challenges more effectively, fostering a stronger commitment to sustainability and a healthier future for all.
METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was implemented in a three-month pilot study at a state public hospital, replacing traditional bedpans, kidney dishes, and meal trays with single-use biodegradable alternatives. The alternatives were compared to conventional reusable and plastic options following standard sanitation protocols. The evaluation adopted two perspectives: healthcare provider perspective, focusing on direct medical costs, and societal perspective. Primary outcome measures included metrics for operational efficiency assessed through time-motion analysis, direct cost components associated with the operation, and evaluations of staff and patient satisfaction obtained via qualitative interviews.
RESULTS: The introduction of biodegradable single-use utensils enhanced operational efficiency, reducing meal service time from 220 to 85 minutes (61% decrease). Staff noted reduced workload and occupational hazards, while patients appreciated greater hygiene and flexibility. A cost analysis revealed a 12.9% decrease in operational costs tied to meal trays, and both staff and patients reported high satisfaction levels with the use of biodegradable alternatives indicating strong acceptability and patient-centered value.
CONCLUSIONS: Single-use biodegradable utensils improve hospital efficiency, infection control, and sustainability, leading to cost savings and local economic growth. This initiative supported local farmers, contributed to a circular economy, and aligned with national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopting eco-friendly, patient-centered practices empowers healthcare systems to address operational, financial, and ecological challenges more effectively, fostering a stronger commitment to sustainability and a healthier future for all.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
HSD52
Topic
Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Organizational Practices, Patient-Centered Research
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas