Sustainable anticoagulation for climate resilient care.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science & Public Health
• Clinical Pharmacy & Thrombosis Management

Background:

• Anticoagulation care, encompassing drug production, diagnostics, and monitoring, significantly contributes to healthcare's carbon footprint.
• There is a growing need to align clinical practices with environmental responsibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a multidisciplinary strategy for embedding sustainability into anticoagulation care.
• To identify high-impact intervention points for decarbonizing anticoagulation management.
• To promote climate-resilient thrombosis care globally.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing life cycle assessment methodology to quantify emissions across the anticoagulation pathway.
• Implementing strategies such as reducing laboratory testing, optimizing laboratory operations, transitioning to lower-carbon anticoagulants, and promoting antithrombotic stewardship.
• Leveraging digital health technologies, circular economy principles, and carbon-informed procurement.

Main Results:

• Identified key areas within anticoagulation care that contribute to carbon emissions.
• Proposed actionable strategies for reducing environmental impact, including waste reduction and sustainable procurement.
• Highlighted the role of digital health in enabling low-emission, patient-centered care.

Conclusions:

• A systems-level decarbonization strategy is essential for sustainable anticoagulation care.
• Policy incentives and global engagement are critical for equitable implementation.
• Integrating sustainability aligns clinical excellence with climate responsibility for future thrombosis care.