Adopting sustainable practices for medical waste management: An industry 5.0 perspective

Adopting sustainable practices for managing medical waste is vital to prevent the dangerous accumulation of hazardous materials. This shift aligns with Industry 5.0 goals, emphasising sustainable and people-centred solutions. Consequently, innovative technologies have garnered significant attention to enhance the efficiency of medical waste management (MWM) and ensure a resilient and eco-friendly healthcare sector. For instance, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain have found extensive applications in MWM systems, providing platforms for financial management in waste collection and improving processing efficiency and information transparency.

Challenges and integration of intelligent technologies

Despite the numerous benefits of integrating these advanced technologies into MWM systems, previous research has highlighted persistent challenges in their adoption, including concerns about security, privacy, data availability, and financial implications. Among these challenges, information security emerges as a critical issue for MWM systems, potentially impacting their operations. Therefore, identifying the factors related to information security can facilitate the successful integration of intelligent technologies into MWM processes, enabling managers to overcome barriers and ensure effective implementation.

Understanding the information security factors of intelligent technology application in MWM 

In the field of intelligent technologies for MWM, few studies have mentioned the potential information security factors. Recently, there has been a surge in interest among researchers regarding the analysis of information security risks. Currently, methods for this analysis can be categorised into three main groups: quantitative, qualitative, and a combination of both. Quantitative risk analysis involves assigning numerical values to each criterion in the risk evaluation process. These values are then integrated into a formula to calculate both total and remaining risks. Due to the complexity, time requirements, high costs, and general challenges associated with comprehensive risk assessments, this method is typically applied in practice but is often combined with qualitative approaches.

Qualitative risk analysis, on the other hand, relies on subjective judgments from the team to assess information system risks. This is done using scenario-based risk probabilities and severity rankings. This method does not involve numerical values and categorises risks into levels such as Critical, High, Medium, and Low. However, evaluating an information system’s risks and selecting appropriate security measures is typically a complex and demanding process. This complexity arises from factors such as limited information, resources, and organisational time constraints. Therefore, we are motivated to combine quantitative methods with qualitative approaches, often utilising multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques.

In the integration of new intelligent technologies into the MWM sector, several crucial information security factors emerge, notably third-party risk management, access control and identity authentication, and security incident response capabilities. These factors are pivotal in safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring the integrity of MWM operations. Their significance underscores the need for decision-makers to heed these insights in their management strategies.

Firstly, robust third-party risk management practices play a crucial role in mitigating vulnerabilities arising from external partnerships. By implementing thorough assessments and stringent controls, organisations can better safeguard their systems against potential risks posed by external entities.

Secondly, investing in effective access control and authentication mechanisms is paramount for bolstering overall security. These measures not only restrict unauthorised access but also fortify the integrity of data and resources within the MWM ecosystem.

Lastly,  establishing a solid security incident response capability is essential for swift detection, containment, and remediation of security breaches. A proactive approach to incident response minimises the impact of potential threats and ensures business continuity.

Critical takeaways for organisations

Decision-makers must give priority to these factors to strengthen their organisation’s resilience to information security threats and enhance their risk mitigation strategies. By adhering to the principles of Industry 5.0, which advocate for the seamless integration of advanced technologies and human expertise, organisations can optimise their MWM processes while effectively safeguarding against potential security risks.

From a practical standpoint, the ranking obtained aligns with the significance of information security factors in the MWM sector. It underscores the critical importance of robust third-party risk management, which takes precedence. Third-party vendors often have access to an organisation’s sensitive data and systems, making them potential vulnerabilities that could lead to significant security breaches if not managed properly. Key aspects such as access control and identity authentication are crucial for safeguarding sensitive data.

While security auditing and monitoring are also essential in MWM, they hold a lower priority in information security assessments. This is because access control and identity verification directly address access permissions and identity confirmation, serving as foundational measures for information security. Furthermore, security auditing and monitoring primarily focus on supervising and tracking system activities, offering relatively less impact on preventing unauthorised access and protecting sensitive data. These measures aim to uphold patient privacy and prevent data leakage and misuse. The ranking demonstrates its relevance and validity, considering the weights of risk criteria to provide a nuanced assessment reflecting the importance of each factor in addressing information security risks.

Conclusion 

FMEA-based framework yields more reasonable and reliable risk priorities compared to other methods. Moreover, the results of risk evaluation and analysis align with real-world circumstances, affirming the effectiveness of the proposed framework.

By understanding and addressing these critical information security factors, organisations can significantly enhance the security and efficiency of their medical waste management systems, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and resilient healthcare sector.