Beyond Healing: Embracing the Triple Bottom Line Approach in Post-pandemic Healthcare

Abstract

A triple bottom line (TBL) encompasses economic, social, and environmental dimensions, which provides a strategy for transforming contemporary healthcare systems. This study contextualized current TBL developments in healthcare under the spotlight of COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges and opportunities. The paper has five sections, including an introductory section that outlines the TBL concept and its relevance to healthcare. Following this, we provide an overview of the three pillars of the TBL, including its economic, social, and environmental dimensions as they relate to healthcare. This section also includes several case studies to illustrate TBL-based practices in diverse healthcare settings, focusing on how these were implemented and the outcomes and barriers to adopting such practices. In addition to showcasing current TBL practices, we review three significant challenges to TBL and highlight potential areas for future research, such as innovative practices, educational reform, and the need for the development of robust TBL metrics. The overarching conclusion is that the TBL provides a profound approach to conceptualizing contemporary healthcare to meet the urgent requirements for a more resilient, equitable, and environmentally responsible healthcare system.