| Document
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Author Pierre-Francois Gautier, James Ward & Paramesh Natarajan |
| Abstract There has been a trend towards single/limited-use disposable combination products to allow patients to self-administer treatments at home, in order to alleviate pressures on healthcare systems. These include inhalers, pre-filled syringes, auto-injectors and on-body injectors. In combination with this there has also been a tendency towards integrating smart technologies into some of these products to improve usability and patient treatment. These trends often conflict with the sustainability aspirations of manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies due to increase of waste, particularly electronic waste. It raises the question: Is it possible to develop a user- and planet-centric approach that supports the development of effective and sustainable medical devices and combination products, by marrying user-centred design and sustainability best practices? |
