Sustainability maturity levels and solution approaches in inpatient care: An online survey among hospital executive boards in Austria

Background: Global environmental changes as well as regional developments require expanded response and performance capabilities as well as an intensified willingness to innovate and change on the part of hospitals. The question arises: What current level of maturity and associated solutions can be identified and applied in Austrian hospitals regarding climate-influenced and sustainable patient care from the point of view of decision-makers and managers? Methods: Based on a semi-structured literature search, an online survey was conducted among hospital management of Austrian hospitals (18/01/2024–25/01/2024; N = 401; n = 66; rr = 16.5%). Results: It is useful to identify the current design and constructive objectives of climate-neutral and sustainable patient care in hospitals. In this respect, the sustainability maturity level regarding climate neutrality and sustainability in the Austrian hospitals were determined. In addition, relevant solutions for the conceptual design of climate neutrality and sustainability in hospitals were identified. Conclusions: Our study shows that increasing demand for services and increasingly limited resource availability affect both the security of care and the quality of care in hospital care. In this regard, the increased focus on climate-influenced, climate-neutral and sustainable patient care in hospitals through targeted green hospital management can make an essential contribution.