Considering the Environmental Impact of Practice-Based Research.

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Research
• Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare
• Public Health

Background:

• Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are crucial for advancing primary care by addressing clinician-identified issues.
• Traditionally, in-person visits were vital for building trust and conducting research within practices.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to virtual facilitation, unexpectedly reducing the carbon footprint of research activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the environmental impact, specifically carbon dioxide emissions, averted by shifting from in-person to virtual facilitation in a PBRN study.
• To assess practice teams' experiences and perceptions of virtual facilitation compared to traditional in-person methods.

Main Methods:

• Driving miles averted were calculated from practice facilitator field notes.
• Carbon dioxide emissions avoided were determined using the EPA Greenhouse Gases Equivalencies Calculator.
• Practices' perspectives on virtual facilitation were gathered through post-intervention interviews.

Main Results:

• Virtual facilitation averted 32,574.8 driving miles, preventing the release of 12.7 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
• This carbon offset is equivalent to growing 210 trees for 10 years.
• Practices reported increased engagement and broader participation from clinicians and staff with virtual sessions.

Conclusions:

• PBRNs have an opportunity to minimize their environmental impact and reduce associated costs.
• Routine assessment of environmental impact should be considered by PBRNs to support population health goals.
• Virtual facilitation presents a sustainable and effective alternative for conducting primary care research.