Patient Perceptions About the Environmental Impact of Hospitals and Surgical Care

BackgroundClimate change is the most significant threat to human health. Despite growing efforts to reduce health care's contribution to climate change, there is limited data on patient opinions of these initiatives. This study aimed to evaluate patient perceptions of environmental sustainability in health care.MethodsWe surveyed adult patients in an outpatient general surgery clinic at a single tertiary academic institution. Participants had the option to be contacted for a follow-up interview. Survey and interview questions measured patient concerns about climate change and health, perceptions of the intersectionality of health care and climate change, and preferences for improving environmental sustainability in health care. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of results was performed.ResultsThere were 97 patients who completed the survey. Many were concerned about the impact of the environment on their health (75.3%, n = 73) and agreed that health care contributes to climate change (51.5%, n = 50). Most patients were more likely to choose a health care system that promoted environmental stewardship (87.6%, n = 85) and cared if their hospital worked to reduce its environmental impact (84.5%, n = 82). Most patients believed that hospital systems should publicize environmental sustainability efforts (86.6%, n = 84), and some patients were interested in learning about the environmental impact of their surgical options (37.1%, n = 36). Five patients completed a follow-up interview and expressed interest in sustainable health care if the quality of care is maintained.DiscussionSurgical patients are concerned about the environment's impact on their health and recognize that health care contributes to climate change. Patients, like the public, value increased environmental sustainability efforts in health care.