Top Areas Where Hospitals Waste Paper

Even with digital tools, paper persists in hospitals. Understanding where it’s used most is the first step toward tackling the problem. According to the Journal of Healthcare Information Management, three key areas consume the most paper:

Patient Discharge Process (30% of paper usage)

• Discharge packets: 35-50 pages per patient.
• Medication lists: 3-5 pages per patient.
• Educational materials: 10-15 pages per patient.

Administrative Documentation (40% of paper usage)

• Consent forms: 3-5 pages per procedure.
• Insurance paperwork: 5-7 pages per admission.
• Compliance documents: 15-20 pages per patient.

Clinical Documentation (30% of paper usage)

• Backup charts: 25-30 pages per patient.
• Lab results: 2-3 pages per test.
• Referral paperwork: 5-7 pages per referral.