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van der Zee C, Chang-Wolf J, Koopmanschap MA, van Leeuwen R, Wisse RPL. Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Telemedicine: A Systematic Review. Health Serv Insights 2024; 17:11786329241271562. [PMID: 39139395 PMCID: PMC11320403 DOI: 10.1177/11786329241271562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare is responsible for 4% to 10% of carbon emissions worldwide, of which 22% is related to transport. Telemedicine emerged as a potential solution to reduce the footprint, for example, by reducing travel. However, a need to understand which variables to include in carbon footprint estimations in telemedicine limits our understanding of the beneficial impact telemedicine might have on our environment. This paper aims to systematically assess the reported carbon footprint and include variables assessed by the literature, comparing telemedicine with usual care. Methods The systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines in PubMed, Medline, Embase and Scopus. A quality assessment was performed using a transparency checklist for carbon footprint calculators. Carbon emissions were evaluated based on four categories, including patient travel, and streamlined life cycle assessment (LCA) for assessing included variables relevant to telemedicine. Results We included 33 articles from 1117 records for analysis. The average transparency score was 38% (range 18%-68%). The median roundtrip travel distance for each patient was 131 km (interquartile range [IQR]: 60.8-351), or 25.6 kgCO2 (IQR: 10.6-105.6) emissions. There is high variance among included variables. Saved emissions are structurally underestimated by not including external factors such as a streamlined LCA. Conclusions Telemedicine aids in reducing emissions, with travel distance being the most significant contributor. Additionally, we recommend accounting for the LCA since it highlights important nuances. This review furthers the debate on assessing carbon footprint savings due to telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper van der Zee
- Ophthalmology Department, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Chang-Wolf
- Ophthalmology Department, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc A Koopmanschap
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Redmer van Leeuwen
- Ophthalmology Department, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dutch Workgroup of Sustainable Ophthalmology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert PL Wisse
- Ophthalmology Department, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Irwin A, Malik A, Vyas A, Bateman C, Joyce S. The carbon footprint of health care delivery in Western Australia's public health system. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 48:101115. [PMID: 39006230 PMCID: PMC11246056 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Health systems have a dual imperative to take action on climate change. First, they must develop climate resilient health services in response to the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on health. Second, they must reduce their own carbon footprint since health systems are a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Methods An environmentally-extended multi-region input-output analysis was carried out, incorporating National Accounts data for Australia and annual expenditure data from WA Health for financial year 2019-20. Expenditure data were categorised to one of 344 economic sectors and by location of the provider of goods or services purchased. Findings WA Health contributes 8% of WA's total carbon footprint, driven by expenditure on chemicals (23.8% of total), transport (20.2% of total), and electricity supply (19.7% of total). These 3 sectors represent 63.7% of WA Health's carbon footprint, but only 10.8% of its total expenditure. Interpretation Reducing emissions related to health service provision in WA will require a holistic approach that leverages carbon footprinting insights and integrates them into organisational decision-making across all health programs. The high carbon-intensity of the transport and chemicals sectors supports previous research calling for a reduction in unnecessary pathology testing and the transition to delivery of non-urgent health care via sustainable models of telehealth. The impact of WA's size and location presents challenges, with a predominantly non-renewable energy supply and reliance on transport and supply chains from other states adding significantly to emissions. Funding The study received funding from the Australian Research Council, The University of Sydney, and the WA Department of Health. The full list of funding information can be found in Acknowledgements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Irwin
- The University of Sydney, ISA, School of Physics, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Arunima Malik
- The University of Sydney, ISA, School of Physics, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Discipline of Accounting, Sydney Business School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Sydney, The University of Sydney Nano Institute, Faculty of Science, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aditya Vyas
- Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) Global Research Centre, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Catherine Bateman
- Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Joyce
- Department of Health, Government of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Grüßer L, Bayram B, Ziemann S, Wallqvist J, Wienhold J, Rossaint R, Derwall M, Follmann A. Teleconsultation for Preoperative Anesthesia Evaluation: Identifying Environmental Potentials by Life Cycle Assessment. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:e2050-e2058. [PMID: 38656124 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0700] [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] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Teleconsultations for preoperative evaluation in anesthesiology proved to be feasible during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, widespread implementation of teleconsultations has not yet occurred. Besides time savings and economic benefits, teleconsultations in anesthesia may have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions. Methods: We conducted a life cycle assessment based on prospective surveys to assess the potential environmental benefits of preoperative anesthesia teleconsultations in comparison to the status-quo in-person consultations. Within 1 month, all patients presenting at the preoperative anesthesia clinic at RWTH Aachen University Hospital were asked about the distance traveled and mode of transportation to the hospital. The main outcome measure was the potential environmental benefit resulting from the implementation of teleconsultations. Results: In total, 821 out of 981 patients presenting at the anesthesia clinic participated in the survey. Most patients visited on an outpatient basis (62.9%) and traveled by car (81.7%). The median travel distance was 25 km [interquartile range 12-40]. If patients who came to the hospital solely for the anesthesia appointment had scheduled virtual appointments, the emissions of 3.03-ton CO2 equivalents (CO2-eq) could be avoided in the first month after implementation. The environmental impact associated with the production of teleconsultation equipment is outweighed by the reduction in patient travel. If all outpatient appointments were performed virtually, these savings would triple. Within 10 years, more than 1,300 tons CO2-eq could be avoided. Conclusion: Teleconsultations can mitigate the environmental impact of in-person anesthesia consultations. Further research is essential to leverage teleconsultations for preoperative evaluation also across other medical specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Grüßer
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Berfin Bayram
- Department Anthropogenic Material Cycles, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ziemann
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Wallqvist
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jan Wienhold
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rolf Rossaint
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Derwall
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, St. Johannes Hospital Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Andreas Follmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Cummins MR, Shishupal S, Wong B, Wan N, Han J, Johnny JD, Mhatre-Owens A, Gouripeddi R, Ivanova J, Ong T, Soni H, Barrera J, Wilczewski H, Welch BM, Bunnell BE. Travel Distance Between Participants in US Telemedicine Sessions With Estimates of Emissions Savings: Observational Study. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e53437. [PMID: 38536065 PMCID: PMC11137427 DOI: 10.2196/53437] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital health and telemedicine are potentially important strategies to decrease health care's environmental impact and contribution to climate change by reducing transportation-related air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. However, we currently lack robust national estimates of emissions savings attributable to telemedicine. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) determine the travel distance between participants in US telemedicine sessions and (2) estimate the net reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions attributable to telemedicine in the United States, based on national observational data describing the geographical characteristics of telemedicine session participants. METHODS We conducted a retrospective observational study of telemedicine sessions in the United States between January 1, 2022, and February 21, 2023, on the doxy.me platform. Using Google Distance Matrix, we determined the median travel distance between participating providers and patients for a proportional sample of sessions. Further, based on the best available public data, we estimated the total annual emissions costs and savings attributable to telemedicine in the United States. RESULTS The median round trip travel distance between patients and providers was 49 (IQR 21-145) miles. The median CO2 emissions savings per telemedicine session was 20 (IQR 8-59) kg CO2). Accounting for the energy costs of telemedicine and US transportation patterns, among other factors, we estimate that the use of telemedicine in the United States during the years 2021-2022 resulted in approximate annual CO2 emissions savings of 1,443,800 metric tons. CONCLUSIONS These estimates of travel distance and telemedicine-associated CO2 emissions costs and savings, based on national data, indicate that telemedicine may be an important strategy in reducing the health care sector's carbon footprint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mollie R Cummins
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Doxy.me Inc, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Sukrut Shishupal
- Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Bob Wong
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Neng Wan
- Department of Geography, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jiuying Han
- Department of Geography, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jace D Johnny
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Amy Mhatre-Owens
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Ramkiran Gouripeddi
- Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | - Triton Ong
- Doxy.me Inc, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Hiral Soni
- Doxy.me Inc, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Janelle Barrera
- Doxy.me Inc, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | - Brandon M Welch
- Doxy.me Inc, Charleston, SC, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Brian E Bunnell
- Doxy.me Inc, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Heffernan A, Lalande A, Chadha R, MacNeill A, Chadha NK. Carbon savings potential of virtual care in obstructive sleep apnea and otitis media with effusion. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2024; 9:e1221. [PMID: 38623079 PMCID: PMC11017970 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.1221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the carbon savings potential of incorporating virtual care into surgical care pathways for pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea or otitis media with effusion. Methods Pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea or otitis media with effusion were not enrolled, instead, a modeling cohort study design was used. This study utilized the British Columbia healthcare system and geography to model emissions. Care pathways were developed for pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea or otitis media with effusion requiring care at a tertiary pediatric center. Home addresses were located at the geographical center of the two most populated municipalities within each of the 10 most populated regional districts in 2020. Virtual visits replaced up to three clinically equivalent in-person visits. Emissions (kgCO2e) for transport and virtual visits were estimated. Population-weighted means and descriptive statistics were calculated. Results Utilizing 1, 2, or 3 virtual visits in the obstructive sleep apnea care pathway yielded potential emissions savings of 19.9%, 39.9%, and 59.8% respectively. Integrating 1, 2, or 3 virtual visits into the otitis media with effusion care pathway produced potential emissions savings of 16.6%, 33.2%, and 49.7%, respectively. Integrating 3 virtual visits can save up to 2156.8 kgCO2e per patient. Conclusions Appropriately conducting up to 50% of clinical encounters virtually for children with obstructive sleep apnea or otitis media with effusion reduced theoretical carbon emissions. For a single child, emission savings could reach over 2150 kgCO2e. Level of Evidence Level 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Heffernan
- Division of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery, (Department of Surgery)University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Annie Lalande
- Institute for Resources, Environment and SustainabilityUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Rashmi Chadha
- Department of Family PracticeUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Vancouver General HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Andrea MacNeill
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Vancouver General HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Neil K. Chadha
- Division of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery, (Department of Surgery)University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryBC Children's HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
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Madison M, McLellan R, Darling K, Curtis KM. Evaluating the Impact of Telehealth on Carbon Footprint During Three Phases of the Pandemic at a Rural Academic Medical Center. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:e1064-e1070. [PMID: 38227386 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0429] [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] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Climate change is primarily driven by greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). Telehealth visits have been found to mitigate carbon emissions by reducing patient and physician transport. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) is the most rural academic medical center in the country, serving a population where the majority of patients reach the hospital by car. No large study or systematic review has evaluated the impact of telehealth visits on CO2 emissions (CO2e) across multiple specialties in a purely rural setting. Further, no sizable rurally focused study has compared CO2e avoided during the various stages of the pandemic. Methods: We extracted data for all outpatient telehealth visits at DHMC from three periods: prepandemic, early pandemic, and late pandemic. The extracted data included the pandemic stage of the virtual visit, the type of visit (video or telephone), the specialty, and the distance from the patient's home to DHMC. Results: The total CO2e avoided among all three pandemic stages analyzed in this study was 23,658,898 kg (n = 251,832). During period 1, the mean driving distance = 159.0 miles; CO2e avoided per encounter = 128.3 kg; period 2, mean distance = 84.85 miles; average CO2e avoided per encounter = 68.47 CO2e kg; and period 3, mean distance = 112.9 miles; average CO2e avoided per encounter = 91.08 kg. Conclusions: This data supported long distances to the medical center and large savings in CO2e avoided across multiple specialties that spanned all pandemic periods. Further, this level of averted emissions could translate to over $3M in saved fuel costs and the avoidance of six excess deaths. While discussions of the future of telehealth commonly focus on access, use cases, technology, costs, and satisfaction, the impact on carbon footprint is an additional important metric, particularly in largely rural regions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert McLellan
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Katelyn Darling
- Dartmouth Health, Connected Care and Center for Telehealth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Kevin M Curtis
- Dartmouth Health, Connected Care and Center for Telehealth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
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Rodler S, Ramacciotti LS, Maas M, Mokhtar D, Hershenhouse J, De Castro Abreu AL, Fuchs G, Stief CG, Gill IS, Cacciamani GE. The Impact of Telemedicine in Reducing the Carbon Footprint in Health Care: A Systematic Review and Cumulative Analysis of 68 Million Clinical Consultations. Eur Urol Focus 2023; 9:873-887. [PMID: 38036339 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2023.11.013] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Carbon footprint (CF) has emerged as an important factor when assessing health care interventions. OBJECTIVE To investigate the reduction in CF for patients utilizing telemedicine. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were queried for studies describing telemedicine consultation and reporting on carbon emissions saved and the carbon emissions of telemedicine devices as primary outcomes, and travel distance and time and cost savings and safety as secondary outcomes. Outcomes were tabulated and calculated per consultation. Carbon emissions and travel distances were also calculated for each total study cohort. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and the Oxford level of evidence was determined. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS A total of 48 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering 68 465 481 telemedicine consultations and savings of 691 825 tons of CO2 emissions and 3 318 464 047 km of travel distance. Carbon assessment was mostly reported as the estimated distance saved using a conversion factor. Medical specialties used telemedicine to connect specialists with patients at home (n = 25) or at a local center (n = 6). Surgical specialties used telemedicine for virtual preoperative assessment (n = 9), follow-up (n = 4), and general consultation (n = 4). The savings per consultation were 21.9-632.17 min and $1.85-$325. More studies focused on the COVID-19 time frame (n = 33) than before the pandemic (n = 15). The studies are limited by calculations, mostly for the travel distance for carbon savings, and appropriate follow-up to analyze the real impact on travel and appointments. CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine reduces the CF of the health care sector. Expanding the use of telemedicine and educating providers and patients could further decrease CO2 emissions and save both money and time. PATIENT SUMMARY We reviewed 48 studies on the use of telemedicine. We found that people used their cars less and saved time and money, as well as CO2 emissions, if they used teleconsultations. Some studies only looked at how much CO2 from driving was saved, so there might be more to learn about the benefits of teleconsultations. The use of online doctor appointments is not only good for our planet but also helps patients in saving time and money. This review is registered on the PROSPERO database for systematic reviews (CRD42023456839).
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Affiliation(s)
- Severin Rodler
- USC Institute of Urology and Catherine and Joseph Aresty Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Artificial Intelligence Center, USC Institute of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Urology, University Hospital of LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Storino Ramacciotti
- USC Institute of Urology and Catherine and Joseph Aresty Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Artificial Intelligence Center, USC Institute of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marissa Maas
- USC Institute of Urology and Catherine and Joseph Aresty Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Artificial Intelligence Center, USC Institute of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Mokhtar
- USC Institute of Urology and Catherine and Joseph Aresty Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Artificial Intelligence Center, USC Institute of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jacob Hershenhouse
- USC Institute of Urology and Catherine and Joseph Aresty Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Artificial Intelligence Center, USC Institute of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andre Luis De Castro Abreu
- USC Institute of Urology and Catherine and Joseph Aresty Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Artificial Intelligence Center, USC Institute of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gerhard Fuchs
- USC Institute of Urology and Catherine and Joseph Aresty Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Artificial Intelligence Center, USC Institute of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christian G Stief
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Inderbir S Gill
- USC Institute of Urology and Catherine and Joseph Aresty Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Artificial Intelligence Center, USC Institute of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Giovanni E Cacciamani
- USC Institute of Urology and Catherine and Joseph Aresty Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Artificial Intelligence Center, USC Institute of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Wu B, Tang Q. A sustainable scheduling system for medical equipment: Towards net zero goals for green healthcare. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:18960-18986. [PMID: 38052585 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Shortages of medical equipment, growth in medical waste and carbon emissions have increased healthcare pressures and has a huge impact on the environment. An efficient scheduling of medical equipment will effectively reduce the pressure on healthcare and improve the healthcare system's ability to respond to unexpected disasters. A medical equipment scheduling system was established to improve the sustainable utilization of medical equipment within the healthcare network and to reduce the carbon emissions of the healthcare process. First, this paper combines medical equipment information to establish a medical equipment scheduling decision model that considers pollution to filter qualified medical equipment for scheduling. Then, this paper constructs and solves a multi-objective robust optimization model by collecting the patient's travel information and the medical pressure information of each region. In addition, to meet dynamic healthcare needs, a dynamic medical equipment configuration framework was constructed to enhance the flexibility of equipment scheduling and the resilience of the healthcare network. Combined with case studies, the results show that the medical equipment scheduling system can help decision makers make quick scheduling decisions and achieve sustainable use of medical equipment, with a corresponding increase in medical equipment utilization of 12.25% and a reduction in carbon emissions of 26.50%. The study will help enhance healthcare resource utilization and contribute to the net-zero goal of green healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baotong Wu
- School of management, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang, 110870, China
| | - Qi Tang
- School of management, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang, 110870, China
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Tenforde AS, Alexander JJ, Alexander M, Annaswamy TM, Carr CJ, Chang P, Díaz M, Iaccarino MA, Lewis SB, Millett C, Pandit S, Ramirez CP, Rinaldi R, Roop M, Slocum CS, Tekmyster G, Venesy D, Verduzco-Gutierrez M, Zorowitz RD, Rowland TR. Telehealth in PM&R: Past, present, and future in clinical practice and opportunities for translational research. PM R 2023; 15:1156-1174. [PMID: 37354209 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13029] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Telehealth refers to the use of telecommunication devices and other forms of technology to provide services outside of the traditional in-person health care delivery system. Growth in the use of telehealth creates new challenges and opportunities for implementation in clinical practice. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) assembled an expert group to develop a white paper to examine telehealth innovation in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). The resultant white paper summarizes how telehealth is best used in the field of PM&R while highlighting current knowledge deficits and technological limitations. The report identifies new and transformative opportunities for PM&R to advance translational research related to telehealth and enhance patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S Tenforde
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joshua J Alexander
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marcalee Alexander
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Thiru M Annaswamy
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Conley J Carr
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Philip Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Mary A Iaccarino
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen B Lewis
- Physiatry-Pharmacy Collaborative, NJ Institute for Successful Aging, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Carolyn Millett
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rosemont, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Robert Rinaldi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Megan Roop
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rosemont, Illinois, USA
| | - Chloe S Slocum
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gene Tekmyster
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keck Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Richard D Zorowitz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Bara VB, Schoeler N, Carroll JH, Simpson Z, Cameron T. Patient and carer perspectives on the use of video consultations in the management of the ketogenic diet for epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 145:109280. [PMID: 37315407 PMCID: PMC10259179 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant change in the way healthcare was delivered worldwide. During this time, a survey of Ketogenic Dietitians Research Network (KDRN) members found that all respondents expected digital platforms for clinics and/or education to continue post-pandemic. As a follow-up to this, we surveyed views about video consultations (VCs) of patients and carers of those following the ketogenic diet for drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS The SurveymonkeyTM survey was distributed on Matthews' Friends and KDRN social media platforms and emailed from five United Kingdom ketogenic diet centers to their patients/carers. RESULTS Forty eligible responses were received. More than half of the respondents (23, 57.5%) had attended a VC. Eighteen respondents (45%) would like to have VCs for most (categorized as approximately 75%) or all of their consultations. Half as many (9, 22.5%) would not like video consultations. The most common benefits selected were saving travel time (32, 80%), less stress of finding somewhere to park and not having to take time off work (22, 55% each). Twelve (30%) responded that VCs lessened environmental impact. The most common disadvantages selected were not being able to get blood tests/having to make a separate consultation for blood tests (22, 55% overall), not being able to get weight or height checked/having to make a separate consultation for this and it is less personal/preferring face-to-face (17, 42.5% each). Three-quarters (30 respondents) felt it would be very easy or easy to accurately weigh the patient when not attending an in-person consultation. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that many patients and carers would welcome the option of VCs as well as face-to-face consultations. Where possible and appropriate patients and their families should be offered both options. This is in line with the NHS Long-Term Plan and the NHS response to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Bh Bara
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK.
| | - Natasha Schoeler
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Dietetic Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | | | - Zoe Simpson
- Dietetic Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Tracy Cameron
- Paediatric Dietetic Department, Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, Aberdeen, UK
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11
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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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12
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Wardrope A, Reuber M. Seizure disorders and climate change: Everyone's problem. Seizure 2023; 106:164-165. [PMID: 36963356 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Wardrope
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom.
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
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13
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Pickard Strange M, Booth A, Akiki M, Wieringa S, Shaw SE. The role of virtual consulting in developing environmentally sustainable healthcare: a systematic literature review (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 25:e44823. [PMID: 37133914 DOI: 10.2196/44823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health systems globally need to rapidly set and achieve targets for reaching net zero carbon emissions. Virtual consulting (including video- and telephone-based consulting) is regarded as one means by which this might be achieved, largely through reduced patient travel. Little is currently known about the ways in which forms of virtual consulting might contribute to the net zero agenda or how countries may develop and implement programs at scale that can support increased environmental sustainability. OBJECTIVE In this paper, we asked, What is the impact of virtual consulting on environmental sustainability in health care? and What can we learn from current evaluations that can inform future reductions in carbon emissions? METHODS We conducted a systematic review of published literature according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We searched the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus databases using key terms relating to "carbon footprint," "environmental impact," "telemedicine," and "remote consulting," using citation tracking to identify additional articles. The articles were screened, and full texts that met the inclusion criteria were obtained. Data on the approach to carbon footprinting reported reductions in emissions, and the opportunities and challenges associated with the environmental sustainability of virtual consultations were extracted into a spreadsheet, analyzed thematically, and theorized using the Planning and Evaluating Remote Consultation Services framework to consider the various interacting influences, including environmental sustainability, that shape the adoption of virtual consulting services. RESULTS A total of 1672 papers were identified. After removing duplicates and screening for eligibility, 23 papers that focused on a range of virtual consulting equipment and platforms across different clinical conditions and services were included. The focus on the environmental sustainability potential of virtual consulting was unanimously reported through carbon savings achieved by a reduction in travel related to face-to-face appointments. The shortlisted papers used a range of methods and assumptions to determine carbon savings, reporting these using different units and across varied sample sizes. This limited the potential for comparison. Despite methodological inconsistencies, all papers concluded that virtual consulting significantly reduced carbon emissions. However, there was limited consideration of wider factors (eg, patient suitability, clinical indication, and organizational infrastructure) influencing the adoption, use, and spread of virtual consultations and the carbon footprint of the entire clinical pathway in which the virtual consultation was provided (eg, risk of missed diagnoses from virtual consultations that result in the need for subsequent in-person consultations or admissions). CONCLUSIONS There is overwhelming evidence that virtual consulting can reduce health care carbon emissions, largely through reducing travel related to in-person appointments. However, the current evidence fails to look at system factors associated with implementing virtual health care delivery and wider research into carbon emissions across the entire clinical pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Pickard Strange
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Booth
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Akiki
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sietse Wieringa
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sara E Shaw
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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14
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King J, Poo SX, El-Sayed A, Kabir M, Hiner G, Olabinan O, Colwill M, Ayubi H, Shakweh E, Kronsten VT, Kader R, Hayee B. Towards NHS Zero: greener gastroenterology and the impact of virtual clinics on carbon emissions and patient outcomes. A multisite, observational, cross-sectional study. Frontline Gastroenterol 2022; 14:287-294. [PMID: 37409339 PMCID: PMC11138175 DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2022-102215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The National Health Service (NHS) produces more carbon emissions than any public sector organisation in England. In 2020, it became the first health service worldwide to commit to becoming carbon net zero, the same year as the COVID-19 pandemic forced healthcare systems globally to rapidly adapt service delivery. As part of this, outpatient appointments became largely remote. Although the environmental benefit of this change may seem intuitive the impact on patient outcomes must remain a priority. Previous studies have evaluated the impact of telemedicine on emission reduction and patient outcomes but never before in the gastroenterology outpatient setting. Method 2140 appointments from general gastroenterology clinics across 11 Trusts were retrospectively analysed prior to and during the pandemic. 100 consecutive appointments during two periods of time, from 1 June 2019 (prepandemic) to 1 June 2020 (during the pandemic), were used. Patients were telephoned to confirm the mode of transport used to attend their appointment and electronic patient records reviewed to assess did-not-attend (DNA) rates, 90-day admission rates and 90-day mortality rates. Results Remote consultations greatly reduced the carbon emissions associated with each appointment. Although more patients DNA their remote consultations and doctors more frequently requested follow-up blood tests when reviewing patients face-to-face, there was no significant difference in patient 90-day admissions or mortality when consultations were remote. Conclusion Teleconsultations can provide patients with a flexible and safe means of being reviewed in outpatient clinics while simultaneously having a major impact on the reduction of carbon emissions created by the NHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan King
- Department of Gastroenterology, Whittington Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Stephanie X Poo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ahmed El-Sayed
- Department of Gastroenterology, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Harrow, UK
| | - Misha Kabir
- Department of Gastroenterology, Univeristy College Londn Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - George Hiner
- Department of Gastroenterology, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Harrow, UK
| | - Olaolu Olabinan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Worthing, UK
| | - Michael Colwill
- Department of Gastroenterology, Croydon University Hospital, Croydon, UK
| | - Homira Ayubi
- Department of Gastroenterology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Eathar Shakweh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Rawen Kader
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre of Interventional and Surgical Sciences (WEISS), University College London, London, UK
| | - Bu'Hussain Hayee
- Department of Gastroenterology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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15
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Lokmic-Tomkins Z, Davies S, Block LJ, Cochrane L, Dorin A, von Gerich H, Lozada-Perezmitre E, Reid L, Peltonen LM. Assessing the carbon footprint of digital health interventions: a scoping review. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2022; 29:2128-2139. [PMID: 36314391 PMCID: PMC9667173 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocac196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Integration of environmentally sustainable digital health interventions requires robust evaluation of their carbon emission life-cycle before implementation in healthcare. This scoping review surveys the evidence on available environmental assessment frameworks, methods, and tools to evaluate the carbon footprint of digital health interventions for environmentally sustainable healthcare. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid). PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus (which indexes IEEE Xplore, Springer Lecture Notes in Computer Science and ACM databases), Compendex, and Inspec databases were searched with no time or language constraints. The Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA_SCR), Joanna Briggs Scoping Review Framework, and template for intervention description and replication (TiDiER) checklist were used to structure and report the findings. RESULTS From 3299 studies screened, data was extracted from 13 full-text studies. No standardised methods or validated tools were identified to systematically determine the environmental sustainability of a digital health intervention over its full life-cycle from conception to realisation. Most studies (n = 8) adapted publicly available carbon calculators to estimate telehealth travel-related emissions. Others adapted these tools to examine the environmental impact of electronic health records (n = 2), e-prescriptions and e-referrals (n = 1), and robotic surgery (n = 1). One study explored optimising the information system electricity consumption of telemedicine. No validated systems-based approach to evaluation and validation of digital health interventions could be identified. CONCLUSION There is a need to develop standardised, validated methods and tools for healthcare environments to assist stakeholders to make informed decisions about reduction of carbon emissions from digital health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerina Lokmic-Tomkins
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shauna Davies
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Lorraine J Block
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lindy Cochrane
- Brownless Biomedical Library, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alan Dorin
- Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hanna von Gerich
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Lisa Reid
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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16
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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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17
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Lavin B, Gray CL, Brodie M. Telemedicine and Epilepsy Care. Neurol Clin 2022; 40:717-727. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Singh N, Jung I, Han H, Ariza-Montes A, Vega-Muñoz A. Green Information System (GIS) Model in the Conference Sector: Exploring Attendees' Adoption Behaviors for Conference Apps. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2022; 15:2229-2243. [PMID: 35999994 PMCID: PMC9393034 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s370657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Academic conferences are carbon-intensive. Conference travel by air contributes to huge amount of global greenhouse gas emissions, which can be reduced by adopting green information systems (green IS or GIS). This study aims to investigate attendees' behaviors for adopting green IS (such as conference apps) from an ecological perspective. Methods For this research, a survey method was used. Survey instrument had 29 items adapted from existing scales. Data was collected using Mturk's panel of respondents on online Qualtrics. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted on 403 responses for data analysis and validation of the results using SPSS AMOS ver. 24. Findings This study provides empirical evidence to add ecological beliefs as a key predictor of green IS adoption models. Findings demonstrate that attitudes and ecological beliefs play an essential role in conference app adoption, in comparison with performance expectations, social impacts, and facilitation conditions, as presented in the traditional technology acceptance literature. Findings assist conference owners develop essential communication strategies for green attendees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nripendra Singh
- Department of Management and Marketing, Pennsylvania Western University, Clarion, PA, USA
| | - Inyoung Jung
- College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heesup Han
- College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, Seoul, Korea
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Maria MS, Silvia AN, Beatriz DG, Andrew D, Guillermo PF. Health care in rural areas: proposal of a new telemedicine program assisted from the reference health centers, for a sustainable digitization and its contribution to the carbon footprint reduction. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09812. [PMID: 35800252 PMCID: PMC9254526 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Lange O, Plath J, Dziggel TF, Karpa DF, Keil M, Becker T, Rogowski WH. A Transparency Checklist for Carbon Footprint Calculations Applied within a Systematic Review of Virtual Care Interventions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127474. [PMID: 35742724 PMCID: PMC9223517 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Increasing concerns about climate change imply that decisions on the digitization of healthcare should consider evidence about its carbon footprint (CF). This study aims to develop a transparency catalogue for reporting CF calculations, to compare results, and to assess the transparency (reporting quality) of the current evidence of virtual care (VC) intervention. We developed a checklist of transparency criteria based on the consolidation of three established standards/norms for CF calculation. We conducted a systematic review of primary studies written in English or German on the CF of VC interventions to check applicability. Based on our checklist, we extracted methodological information. We compared the results and calculated a transparency score. The checklist comprises 22 items in the aim, scope, data and analysis categories. Twenty-three studies out of 1466 records were included, mostly addressing telemedicine. The mean transparency score was 38% (minimum 14%, maximum 68%). On average, 148 kg carbon dioxide equivalents per patient were saved. Digitization may have co-benefits, improving care and reducing the healthcare CF. However, the evidence for this is weak, and CF reports are heterogeneous. Our transparency checklist may serve as a reference for developing a standard to assess the CF of virtual and other healthcare and public health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Lange
- Department of Health Care Management, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, Health Sciences, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (M.K.); (W.H.R.)
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Julian Plath
- Professional Public Decision Making, Faculty of Cultural Studies, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (J.P.); (T.F.D.); (T.B.)
| | - Timo F. Dziggel
- Professional Public Decision Making, Faculty of Cultural Studies, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (J.P.); (T.F.D.); (T.B.)
| | - David F. Karpa
- Faculty of Business Studies and Economics, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany;
| | - Mattis Keil
- Department of Health Care Management, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, Health Sciences, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (M.K.); (W.H.R.)
| | - Tom Becker
- Professional Public Decision Making, Faculty of Cultural Studies, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (J.P.); (T.F.D.); (T.B.)
| | - Wolf H. Rogowski
- Department of Health Care Management, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, Health Sciences, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (M.K.); (W.H.R.)
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
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Donald N, Irukulla S. Greenhouse Gas Emission Savings in Relation to Telemedicine and Associated Patient Benefits: A Systematic Review. Telemed J E Health 2022; 28:1555-1563. [PMID: 35446668 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Telemedicine is a rapidly expanding service in the digitization of health care systems. Recently emphasis has been placed on the decarbonization of health care systems with National and World Health Organization initiatives aimed at carbon neutrality toward the mid-21st century. This study investigates greenhouse gas emissions related to telemedicine, its potential role in achieving carbon neutrality and its role in determining policy. We further investigate patient benefits related to telemedicine. Methods: A systematic review was conducted of the PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, EMCARE, CINAHL, and HMIC databases. Eligibility of studies was determined by predefined criteria. Results: A total of 31 studies were identified totaling over 57,000 patients. Carbon savings ranged from 0.69 kg CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) to 893 kg CO2e per encounter. Distances saved also ranged from 6.1 to 3,386 km. Further analysis of 18 included studies was conducted for cost savings that ranged from €1.73 in fuel costs to over U.S. $900 in travel related expenses. Similarly, 15 included studies were analyzed for time savings, which ranged from 38 min to 24 h. Conclusions: There are substantial carbon savings to be made with telemedicine systems. Furthermore, there are substantial benefits to patients in terms of both time savings and cost savings. Rural and isolated communities or patients needing tertiary or quaternary care may be a particular cohort that might benefit disproportionally from telemedicine and is an area where the largest per capita emission savings can potentially be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Donald
- West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford, United Kingdom
| | - Shashi Irukulla
- Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Chertsey, United Kingdom
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