Estimated carbon emissions and support cost savings to telemedicine for patients with central airway diseases

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Background: Health services contribute greatly to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, to can account for up to 5% of a country’s annual carbon footprint. This study demonstrates the environmental impact, of CO2 savings emissions in a telemedicine program dedicated to patients in the Brazilian public health system, with central airway diseases. Methods: Cross-sectional study of telemedicine visits for patients with central airway disease referred to a public academic hospital between August 1, 2020, and December 30, 2023. The consultations occurred in a telemedicine department using the hospital's proprietary platform. The analysis included the round-trip distance savings, the carbon footprint based on reducing CO2 emissions, and the cost savings in transportation and support for the patient during the travel. Results: A total of 1767 telemedicine visits with 680 patients were conducted with median [IQR] age, 33.0 [12.0-51.0] years; 363 [53.4%] male; 560 [82.3%] white. 388 patients (57%) had a tracheal device at the visit (191 tracheostomy, 162 silicone T-Tube and 35 endoprosthesis). Patients were served from 170 Brazilian cities from 22 states. 2 195 544,3 round-trip kilometers were saved corresponding to an estimated 453 707,18 kg of CO2 in emissions savings (mean emissions savings, 256.76 kg CO2 per visit) due to telemedicine—equivalent to 93,7 passenger vehicles driven for 1 year. The cost savings in travel and patient support was £284 154,54. Conclusion: We demonstrate how digital appointments can lead to a positive environmental impact by reducing carbon footprint whilst also reducing patient travel and support costs.

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