1
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Beatty P, Costa Blasco M, McFeely O, Doyle C, Andrawis M, Wolinska A, Day A, Tobin AM. The impact of a phototherapy service on carbon emissions and suggestions for the future delivery of sustainable care. Clin Exp Dermatol 2024; 49:908-909. [PMID: 36799064 DOI: 10.1093/ced/llad068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study of the carbon emissions generated by patients attending a tertiary dermatology centre for phototherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Beatty
- Department of Dermatology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Orla McFeely
- Department of Dermatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Claire Doyle
- Department of Dermatology, Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Madonna Andrawis
- Department of Dermatology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anna Wolinska
- Dermatology Department, Health Service Executive, Drogheda, Ireland
| | - Annemarie Day
- Department of Dermatology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne-Marie Tobin
- Department of Dermatology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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2
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Asamoto S, Sawada H, Muto J, Arai T, Kawamata T. Green Hospital as a new Standard in Japan: How far can Neurosurgery go in Japan? World Neurosurg 2024; 187:150-155. [PMID: 38649025 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.04.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change is a significant challenge that the medical community must address. Hospitals are large facilities with high water and energy consumption, as well as high levels of waste generation, which makes it important to pursue green hospital initiatives. Neurosurgery requires substantial energy for surgeries and tests. METHODS Based on the keywords "Climate change," "green hospital," "neurosurgery," "energy consumption," "environmental impact" listed in this paper, we extracted representative manuscripts, and the practices employed in the authors' hospital were assessed. RESULTS The "Guidelines for Environmental Consideration in Hospitals" and "Guidelines for the Sustainability of Hospital Environments" have been developed; however, they are not implemented in most hospitals in Japan. Inhalational anesthetics were found to contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Educating patients and staff and employing the "8 Rs" (rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, research, renovation, and revolution) showed promise in achieving green hospital standards. CONCLUSIONS The advent of 'green hospitals' in Japan is imminent. The active participation of neurosurgeons can play a crucial role in diminishing the environmental footprint of health care while simultaneously enhancing medical standards. Given the pressing challenges posed by climate change, there is a critical need for an overhaul of medical practices. It is imperative for neurosurgeons to pioneer the adoption of new, sustainable medical methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunji Asamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Makita General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Sustainability Director, Green Sports Alliance, Tokyo, Japan; Executive Director, Green Sports Alliance, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Haruki Sawada
- Executive Director, Green Sports Alliance, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Muto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake City, Japan
| | - Takashi Arai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takakazu Kawamata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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3
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Roscioli R, Wyllie T, Neophytou K, Dent L, Lowen D, Tan D, Dunne B, Hodgson R. How we can reduce the environmental impact of our operating theatres: a narrative review. ANZ J Surg 2024; 94:1000-1010. [PMID: 37985608 DOI: 10.1111/ans.18770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is projected to become the leading cause of adverse health outcomes globally, and the healthcare system is a key contributor. Surgical theatres are three to six times more pollutant than other hospital areas, and produce anywhere from a fifth to a third of total hospital waste. Hospitals are increasingly expected to make operating theatres more sustainable, however guidelines to improve environmental sustainability are lacking, and previous research takes a narrow approach to operative sustainability. This paper presents a narrative review that, following a 'review of reviews' approach, aims to summarize the key recommendations to improve the environmental sustainability of surgical theatres. Key domains of discussion identified across the literature included minimisation of volatile anaesthetics, reduction of operating theatre power consumption, optimisation of surgical approach, re-use and re-processing of surgical instruments, waste management, and research, education and leadership. Implementation of individual items in these domains has seen significant reductions in the environmental impact of operative practice. This comprehensive summary of recommendations lays the framework from which providers can assess the sustainability of their practice and for the development of encompassing guidelines to build an environmentally sustainable surgical service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roscioli
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Epping, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tracey Wyllie
- Division of Surgery, Northern Health, Epping, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Lana Dent
- Division of Surgery, Northern Health, Epping, Victoria, Australia
| | - Darren Lowen
- Department of Anaesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Northern Health, Epping, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Critical Care, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Tan
- Department of Anaesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Northern Health, Epping, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben Dunne
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Peter Macallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Russell Hodgson
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Epping, Victoria, Australia
- Division of Surgery, Northern Health, Epping, Victoria, Australia
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4
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Afzal UM, Ali FR. Prolonging the lifespan of surgical markers during dermatologic surgery. J Am Acad Dermatol 2024; 90:e113-e114. [PMID: 37001730 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Faisal R Ali
- Mid Cheshire NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; St John's Institute of Dermatology, London, United Kingdom.
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5
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Shearman H, Yap SM, Zhao A, Passby L, Barrett A, Nikookam Y, Stoneham S, Myint NA, Phillips D, Dalal F, Wylie G, Costley M, Odedra S, Phillips M, Abbott RA, Wernham A, Tso S. A UK-wide study to describe resource consumption and waste management practices in skin surgery including Mohs micrographic surgery. Clin Exp Dermatol 2023; 48:1024-1029. [PMID: 37192414 DOI: 10.1093/ced/llad184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of national guidance specifying how skin surgery, including Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), should be conducted, leading to a degree of heterogeneity in the set-up of skin surgery services and how skin surgeries are performed. OBJECTIVES To provide the first UK-wide cross-sectional study reporting real-world data on the set-up and waste management practices of skin surgery, including MMS. METHODS A UK-wide service evaluation study was conducted between 1 March 2022 and 30 June 2022 using a standardized data collection pro forma. Twelve participating sites from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales provided data from 115 skin surgery lists involving 495 patients and 547 skin surgery procedures between 1 March 2022 and 30 June 2022. RESULTS Mean total weight of nonsharps skin surgery waste was 0.52 kg per procedure (0.39 kg clinical waste, 0.05 kg general waste and 0.08 kg recycling waste). Data from a single site using disposable surgical instruments reported a mean of only 0.25 kg of sharps waste per procedure. The recycling rate ranged between 0% and 44% across the cohort with a mean recycling rate of 16%. CONCLUSIONS We advocate that staff transition to the British Society of Dermatological Surgery 2022 sustainability guidance, which made wide-ranging recommendations to facilitate staff to transition to sustainable practices in skin surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soo Min Yap
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
| | - Andrew Zhao
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Lauren Passby
- Department of Dermatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Amy Barrett
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
| | - Yasmin Nikookam
- Department of Dermatology, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Romford, UK
| | - Sophie Stoneham
- Department of Dermatology, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Nan Akari Myint
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - Derrick Phillips
- Department of Dermatology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Fatima Dalal
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Grant Wylie
- Department of Dermatology, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Matthew Costley
- Department of Dermatology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Sunita Odedra
- Department of Dermatology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mirain Phillips
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Rachel A Abbott
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Aaron Wernham
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
- Department of Dermatology, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Walsall, UK
| | - Simon Tso
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
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6
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Afzal UM, Ali FR. Environmental and economic considerations for diagnostic biopsies in basal cell carcinomas. Comment on 'Biopsy type does not affect the number of stages during Mohs micrographic surgery: a retrospective study'. Clin Exp Dermatol 2023; 48:809-810. [PMID: 37119273 DOI: 10.1093/ced/llad093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Where there is clinical equipoise in the type of diagnostic biopsy undertaken, clinicians should account for the environmental and economic impact and opt for shave biopsies, rather than punch biopsies, more frequently.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Faisal R Ali
- Mid Cheshire NHS Foundation Trust, UK
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, London, UK
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7
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Thiel CL, Mehta N, Sejo CS, Qureshi L, Moyer M, Valentino V, Saleh J. Telemedicine and the environment: life cycle environmental emissions from in-person and virtual clinic visits. NPJ Digit Med 2023; 6:87. [PMID: 37160996 PMCID: PMC10169113 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00818-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Concern over climate change is growing in the healthcare space, and telemedicine has been rapidly expanding since the start of the COVID19 pandemic. Understanding the various sources of environmental emissions from clinic visits-both virtual and in-person-will help create a more sustainable healthcare system. This study uses a Life Cycle Assessment with retrospective clinical data from Stanford Health Care (SHC) in 2019-2021 to determine the environmental emissions associated with in-person and virtual clinic visits. SHC saw 13% increase in clinic visits, but due to the rise in telemedicine services, the Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHGs) from these visits decreased 36% between 2019 and 2021. Telemedicine (phone and video appointments) helped SHC avoid approximately 17,000 metric tons of GHGs in 2021. Some departments, such as psychiatry and cancer achieved greater GHG reductions, as they were able to perform more virtual visits. Telemedicine is an important component for the reduction of GHGs in healthcare systems; however, telemedicine cannot replace every clinic visit and proper triaging and tracking systems should be in place to avoid duplicative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Thiel
- NYU Langone Health, Departments of Population Health and Ophthalmology, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Natasha Mehta
- Stanford Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Cory Sean Sejo
- Stanford Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lubna Qureshi
- Stanford Health Care, Digital Health, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Meagan Moyer
- Stanford Health Care, Digital Health, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Jason Saleh
- Palo Alto Veterans Affairs & Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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8
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Tso S. Dermatology sustainability: case study of potential efficiency savings and waste reduction in dermatology punch biopsies using the Healthcare Environmental Performance Tool. Clin Exp Dermatol 2023; 48:41-43. [PMID: 36669183 DOI: 10.1093/ced/llac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Tso
- Dermatology Sustainability UK Group, Warwick, UK
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
- VESTSO Ltd, Rugby, Warwickshire, UK
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9
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Potestio L, Genco L, Battista T, Noto M, Fabbrocini G, Martora F. Comment on 'Anogenital dermatology: challenges in the digital era'. Clin Exp Dermatol 2023; 48:34-35. [PMID: 36669171 DOI: 10.1093/ced/llac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Potestio
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Genco
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Battista
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Matteo Noto
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Fabbrocini
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Martora
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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10
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Niebel D, Herrmann A, Balzer S, Hecker C, Koch S, Luhmann E, Becker-Weimann SY, Tischler M, Löffler C, Saha S. Nachhaltigkeit in der dermatologischen Praxis und Klinik: Herausforderungen und Lösungsansätze. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:44-58. [PMID: 36721932 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14952_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Niebel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg.,AG Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie e.V. (AGN) der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), Freiburg
| | - Alina Herrmann
- Institut für Global Health, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allgemeinmedizin und Familienmedizin (DEGAM)
| | - Susanne Balzer
- Hausarztpraxis Dres. Metz & Balzer, Köln, Ressort Klimaschutz in der AG hausärztliche Internisten der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin (DGIM)
| | - Christina Hecker
- AG Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie e.V. (AGN) der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), Freiburg
| | - Susanne Koch
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie mit Schwerpunkt operative Intensivmedizin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Forum für Nachhaltigkeit der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie & Intensivmedizin (DGAI)
| | - Esther Luhmann
- Verein demokratischer Pharmazeutinnen und Pharmazeuten (VdPP), Hamburg
| | - Su Youn Becker-Weimann
- AG Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie e.V. (AGN) der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), Freiburg.,Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main
| | - Max Tischler
- AG Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie e.V. (AGN) der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), Freiburg.,Hautärzte am Markt, Dortmund, Junge Dermatologen (JuDerm) im Berufsverband der Deutschen Dermatologen (BVDD)
| | - Christin Löffler
- AG Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie e.V. (AGN) der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), Freiburg.,Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Phlebologie, SLK-Kliniken Heilbronn
| | - Susanne Saha
- AG Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie e.V. (AGN) der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), Freiburg
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11
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Niebel D, Herrmann A, Balzer S, Hecker C, Koch S, Luhmann E, Becker-Weimann SY, Tischler M, Löffler C, Saha S. Sustainability of dermatological offices and clinics: challenges and potential solutions. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:44-58. [PMID: 36721934 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing high consumption of resources results in exceeding the planetary boundaries. Modern healthcare systems contribute to this problem. To address this issue, this article provides an overview of various aspects of sustainable actions in medical offices and clinics that can also be applied to dermatology. Specific fields of action include energy consumption, structural measures, traffic and mobility, organization including digitalization as well as personnel and evaluation. Moreover, we discuss specific topics such as hygiene and cleansing, dermatosurgery and prescription practices. External treatments and cosmetics are discussed separately as dermatological peculiarities. Finally, we provide information on established initiatives for more sustainable health care in Germany. We aim to encourage critical reappraisal of currently established practices and to stimulate the implementation of sustainable measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Niebel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,AG Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie e.V. (AGN) der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alina Herrmann
- Institute for Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allgemeinmedizin und Familienmedizin (DEGAM)
| | - Susanne Balzer
- Hausarztpraxis Drs. Metz & Balzer, Cologne, Germany; Department of Climate Protection in AG Hausärztliche Internisten of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin (DGIM)
| | - Christina Hecker
- AG Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie e.V. (AGN) der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Koch
- Department of Anesthesiology with Focus on Surgical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Forum for Sustainability of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie & Intensivmedizin (DGAI)
| | - Esther Luhmann
- Verein demokratischer Pharmazeutinnen und Pharmazeuten (VdPP), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Su Youn Becker-Weimann
- AG Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie e.V. (AGN) der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venereology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Max Tischler
- AG Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie e.V. (AGN) der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), Freiburg, Germany.,Hautärzte am Markt, Dortmund, Germany; Junge Dermatologen (JuDerm) in Berufsverband der Deutschen Dermatologen (BVDD)
| | - Christin Löffler
- AG Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie e.V. (AGN) der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Phlebology, SLK-Kliniken Heilbronn, Germany
| | - Susanne Saha
- AG Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie e.V. (AGN) der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), Freiburg, Germany
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12
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Rahimi-Ardabili H, Magrabi F, Coiera E. Digital health for climate change mitigation and response: a scoping review. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2022; 29:2140-2152. [PMID: 35960171 PMCID: PMC9667157 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocac134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Climate change poses a major threat to the operation of global health systems, triggering large scale health events, and disrupting normal system operation. Digital health may have a role in the management of such challenges and in greenhouse gas emission reduction. This scoping review explores recent work on digital health responses and mitigation approaches to climate change. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched Medline up to February 11, 2022, using terms for digital health and climate change. Included articles were categorized into 3 application domains (mitigation, infectious disease, or environmental health risk management), and 6 technical tasks (data sensing, monitoring, electronic data capture, modeling, decision support, and communication). The review was PRISMA-ScR compliant. RESULTS The 142 included publications reported a wide variety of research designs. Publication numbers have grown substantially in recent years, but few come from low- and middle-income countries. Digital health has the potential to reduce health system greenhouse gas emissions, for example by shifting to virtual services. It can assist in managing changing patterns of infectious diseases as well as environmental health events by timely detection, reducing exposure to risk factors, and facilitating the delivery of care to under-resourced areas. DISCUSSION While digital health has real potential to help in managing climate change, research remains preliminary with little real-world evaluation. CONCLUSION Significant acceleration in the quality and quantity of digital health climate change research is urgently needed, given the enormity of the global challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hania Rahimi-Ardabili
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - Farah Magrabi
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - Enrico Coiera
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
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13
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Cretu S, Dascalu M, Salavastru CM. Acne care in health care providers during the
COVID
‐19 pandemic: A national survey. Dermatol Ther 2022; 35:e15753. [PMID: 36190007 PMCID: PMC9538804 DOI: 10.1111/dth.15753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The medical face mask, widely used by health care providers (HCPs) during the COVID‐19 pandemic, is reported to be associated with adverse reactions, among which acne is one of the most common. This study aims to evaluate treatment strategies employed by HCPs affected by acne in association with prolonged medical face mask use, their openness towards accessing telemedicine as a patient, and other lifestyle factors with potential influence on the evolution of their acne. Our online‐based cross‐sectional survey was distributed between December 17, 2020, and February 17, 2021, and targeted HCPs from different medical centers in Romania. From the n = 134 respondents, 50% reported current acne lesions and 56.7% required treatment. Of the latter, 65.8% self‐medicated and 34.2% sought medical advice. The most common treatment associations between anti‐acne topical products were: retinoids and salicylic acid (18.18%; n = 8), retinoids and benzoyl peroxide (13.64%; n = 6), salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide (13.64%; n = 6), and azelaic acid together with salicylic acid (9.09%; n = 4). The health care provider responders were reluctant to use telemedicine, as only 14.2% participants were open to telemedicine. Our results suggest inadequate management of acne in HCPs using medical face masks. As with other occupational hazards and proper usage of personal protective equipment, HCPs should receive adequate screening, training, and treatment for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefana Cretu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest Romania
- Dermatology Research Unit Colentina Clinical Hospital Bucharest Romania
| | - Mihai Dascalu
- Department of Computer Science Polytechnic University of Bucharest Romania
| | - Carmen Maria Salavastru
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest Romania
- Pediatric Dermatology Department Colentina Clinical Hospital Bucharest Romania
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14
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Mann S, Sebastian N, Okonji E, Tso VBY, Thind C, Unter S, Gee BC, Bedlow AJ, Carter JJ, Eykyn H, Williamson T, Barrass S, Tso S. Sustainable dermatology: a service review at Warwick and quality improvement initiatives. Clin Exp Dermatol 2021; 47:584-587. [PMID: 34642996 DOI: 10.1111/ced.14981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Mann
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
| | - N Sebastian
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
| | - E Okonji
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
| | | | - C Thind
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
| | - S Unter
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
| | - B C Gee
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
| | - A J Bedlow
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
| | - J J Carter
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
| | - H Eykyn
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
| | - T Williamson
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
| | - S Barrass
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
| | - S Tso
- Jephson Dermatology Centre, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwick, UK
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15
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Tso VBY, Lambreghts CS, Tso S, Mann S, Smith K, Lam M, Tso ACY. On-pack recycling label in cosmeceutical products in dermatology. Clin Exp Dermatol 2021; 47:186-188. [PMID: 34382249 DOI: 10.1111/ced.14876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - S Tso
- South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwickshire, UK
| | - S Mann
- South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwickshire, UK.,School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - K Smith
- South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwickshire, UK
| | - M Lam
- South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Warwickshire, UK
| | - A C Y Tso
- Department of Haematology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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