Implementation of Virtual Hospital Appointments Significantly Lowers Carbon Emissions

Proceedings of The World Conference on Climate Change and Global Warming

Year: 2021

DOI:

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Implementation of Virtual Hospital Appointments Significantly Lowers Carbon Emissions

Mckay EJ, Schimp-Manuel K, Singh Ranger J, Singh Ranger G

 

ABSTRACT: 

Introduction.

Virtual appointments have been considered in our department for many years, as a strategy to lower carbon emissions. The advent of COVID-19 prompted urgent implementation as in person appointments were limited.

We performed a prospective audit to assess the effectiveness of this approach in lowering carbon footprint.

Objective

To determine the difference of CO2 / CO2 equivalents (CO2-e ) emitted from clinical appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

Audit study of all surgical clinic appointments from 18/03/20 – 31/03/21at the Upper River Valley Hospital, New Brunswick, Canada. Mileage was calculated as round trip from patient postcode to hospital address.

CO2 / CO2 equivalents (CO2-e ) emitted calculated from previously published data – mobile phone CO2-e; 0.0092751142 g/minute, laptop; 0.269216134 g/minute, standard car emissions 128.002 g/km.

Results were analysed statistically.

Results

266 in-person appointment (30%), 612 virtual appointments (70%).

Mean distance to facility was 38.80 km (range: 6.6-546km) in-person visit, 40.06km (6.6-566km) virtual visit [p =0.57].

Male: female ratio 1:1.3, in person visit, 1:1.2 virtual, p = 0.60.

Mean CO2-e per patient / kg;

9.9 (0.84-69.89) in-person appointments, versus 2.5xE-4 (9.27 xE-5 -0.61), virtual appointments

p < 0.0001.

Discussion

There is a highly significant reduction in carbon footprint with implementation of virtual general surgery clinic appointments. This is a positive development in the effort against climate change, and should be supported as part of hospital practice. Factors such as quality assurance, patient and physician satisfaction need to be determined.

keywords: Climate change, carbon emission, outpatient appointments, general surgery, virtual care.