Combating climate change in the clinic: Cost-effective strategies to decrease the carbon footprint of outpatient...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Climate change poses significant risks to patient health.
• The healthcare industry contributes substantially to global carbon emissions.
• Existing literature primarily addresses climate change mitigation in inpatient settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review strategies for reducing the carbon footprint in outpatient clinical settings.
• To identify actionable, cost-effective interventions for clinicians.
• To bridge the gap in literature focusing on outpatient environmental sustainability.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing evidence from various industries.
• Adaptation of recommendations from inpatient climate change mitigation studies.
• Identification of practical strategies applicable to outpatient care.

Main Results:

• Numerous opportunities exist for outpatient clinics to reduce their environmental impact.
• Many recommended strategies are easy to implement and cost-effective.
• Interventions can simultaneously decrease carbon footprint and operating expenses.

Conclusions:

• Outpatient clinicians can play a vital role in mitigating climate change.
• Implementing sustainable practices benefits both the environment and clinic finances.
• These strategies are relevant for all physicians, including dermatologists and non-dermatologists.