Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Jul 3, 2024
Date Accepted: Feb 6, 2025
Pathways to sustainable healthcare development: A study on the carbon reduction potential of telemedicine in China
ABSTRACT
Background:
Carbon emissions are of global concern due to their significant greenhouse effect. The healthcare sector contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 4.4% of global net emissions. The healthcare sector's GHG emissions need to be controlled.
Objective:
This study explores the potential of telemedicine to reduce GHG emissions and save energy as an effective control measure, using a Life Cycle Assessment.
Methods:
This study used the Chinese Environmentally Extended Input-Output (CEEIO) database which was based on the input-output models to quantify the GHG emissions and energy consumption of outpatient and telemedicine from a lifecycle perspective, combining the data collected from the West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University (WCSUH-SCU) between 2020 and 2022.
Results:
The results demonstrated that telemedicine may reduce GHG emissions by 36 tCO2e. The GHG emissions per telemedicine session are only 19.14 kgCO2e, and this is expected to decrease from 2025 to 2030. An average of 85.51 kgCO2e emission reduction can be achieved by replacing face-to-face treatments with telemedicine.
Conclusions:
In the future, the widespread use of telemedicine could make significant contributions to achieving carbon neutrality in the healthcare sector. Telemedicine is a crucial measure for the sustainable development of the healthcare sector.
Citation
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