engleski

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT IN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION. INTRODUCTION

Among such numerous approaches of a com-plex analysis this article draws attention to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). While been scientifically proven it al-lows quantifying environmental damages caused by the lifecycle activity of a product. The method developed with purpose to achieve maximum quantification of entire life cycle of a product [7]. A comparatively short history of its emergence began with Harold Smith's report of a calcula-tion of cumulative energy requirements for the production of chemical intermediates and products in 1960's [8]. In 70's the process of quantifying the use of resources and environmental releases of products became known as a Resource and Environmental Profile Analysis, as practiced mainly in the United States. In Europe, it was called an Eco balance. From 1975 through the early 1980's, as interest in these topics waned because of the fading influence of the oil crisis, environmental concerns shifted to issues of haz- ardous and household waste management. Through this period, sincere efforts to create a protocol or standard re-search methodology for conducting such works have been made. The multi –– step methodology involves a number of assumptions. During these years, the assumptions and techniques used underwent considerable review by US Environmental Protection Agency and major industry rep-resentatives, with the result of evolving of the most reason-able methodologies. After years of development in connec-tion with these events, first databases have been created.

ife cycle assessment; holistic approach; healthcare management; social responsibility; modelling

nije evidentirano