Sustainable dermatology-A practical guide for the Australian dermatologist

Area of Science:

• Environmental science and public health
• Dermatology and sustainable healthcare

Background:

• Healthcare systems are significant contributors to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, accounting for up to 10% of national totals.
• Growing awareness necessitates sustainable practices in both personal and professional lives to mitigate environmental impact.
• The complexity of sustainability literature presents challenges for busy practitioners seeking actionable guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a practical guide for dermatologists on implementing sustainable practices.
• To offer quantifiable impacts for each recommended sustainable action.
• To demonstrate how mindful resource use can benefit environmental protection, profitability, and overall well-being.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on sustainability in healthcare.
• Development of a practical action guide with quantifiable environmental and economic impacts.
• Focus on resource management within dermatological practice.

Main Results:

• Identification of key areas for sustainable interventions in dermatology.
• Quantification of the environmental and financial benefits of specific sustainable actions.
• Demonstration of the alignment between sustainability, profitability, and well-being.

Conclusions:

• Implementing sustainable practices in dermatology is feasible and beneficial.
• Mindful resource utilization can lead to improved environmental outcomes.
• Sustainability initiatives can positively impact practice profitability and enhance patient and physician well-being.