Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Dec 18, 2024
Date Accepted: Jul 5, 2025
Medical-Economic and Ecological Impact of Anesthesia Teleconsultation: an observational study.
ABSTRACT
Background:
The healthcare sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Telemedicine appears to align with a more environmentally friendly and patient-centered care model.
Objective:
To assess the economic and ecological impact of anesthesia teleconsultation compared to conventional consultation.
Methods:
A single-center retrospective study was conducted in the orthopedic anesthesia department. Patient data were collected through review of electronic medical records. Economic data included transport-related costs and staff salaries. Ecological data considered activity metrics and associated carbon emission factors.
Results:
Among the 401 patients included, 331 underwent teleconsultations, resulting in a total savings of €42 840 and €130 (±134) per patient, a reduction of 46 214 km in travel, 123 minutes (±100) in transport time, and 20 and 3 minutes of administrative and consultation time, respectively. Ecologically, the study found a reduction of 9.7 tons of CO2eq emissions, representing over 99% of total GHG emissions.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates the positive economic and ecological impact of anesthesia teleconsultation in reducing costs, travel distances, transport time, non-medical hospital time, and carbon emissions. Our findings highlight the lack of attachment to in-person consultations and high patient satisfaction, without an increase in postoperative complications. Clinical Trial: na
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