JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

The authors conduct a scoping literature review to address the lack of consensus in the literature regarding the design of how circular business models for digital health solutions should be handled, despite wide agreement that circularity serves as a cornerstone in making the industry more sustainable. The review investigates the context of digital health solutions (e.g., inclusion of hardware, software and data, and the contamination risks), which poses regulatory and operational complexities when developing a circular business model. To design tailored circular business models for digital health solutions, this review examines existing circular models in the healthcare industry and models from other industries that could be a source of inspiration for healthcare solutions. Four product categories representing different solutions are analyzed: medical packaging (ePaper label), health monitoring device (smart wearable sensor), medication management (smart pill box), and surgical equipment (endo-cutter). The study argues that each solution requires an adaptation of the circular business model due to their differing life cycles and complexity. It provides a theoretical overview of different circular models and guidance on what can be transferred to each category of digital health solutions.