Implementing Clinical Decarbonization Actions: Lessons Learned from the University of California Health System.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Environmental Sustainability in Medicine
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Clinical decarbonization is crucial for hospitals to meet emission reduction goals.
• Identifying barriers and facilitators is essential for effective clinical mitigation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document barriers and opportunities in implementing clinical sustainability initiatives.
• To explore implementation factors using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Main Methods:

• Conducted semistructured interviews with 14 frontline healthcare workers.
• Utilized CFIR domains (individual, innovation, inner, outer settings) to guide data collection and analysis.
• Explored work responsibilities, sustainability knowledge, and recommendations.

Main Results:

• Competing priorities emerged as the most significant barrier to decarbonization.
• Key resources identified include peer support, data, time, funding, supply chain solutions, and mission integration.
• Challenges and solutions were observed across all CFIR domains.

Conclusions:

• Clinical decarbonization implementation is complex, demanding stakeholder alignment.
• Strategic individual and organizational actions are necessary to overcome challenges.
• Alignment with supply chain partners, policymakers, and industry is vital for sustained efforts.