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How Can Radiologists Implement More Sustainable Healthcare Practices
In a recent publication in Academic Radiology, researchers recommended ways radiologists can implement sustainable healthcare practices to reduce environmental impacts on health.
The climate crisis greatly impacts healthcare, including worsening lung health and the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases, among others. One major factor contributing to the climate crisis is the lack of sustainability initiatives in healthcare. On September 13, 2022, clinicians in Academic Radiology published an article highlighting ways radiologists can implement more sustainable healthcare practice and minimize environmental impacts.
Researchers in the publication explained healthcare's environmental impacts: “the healthcare sector is a resource-intensive industry, consuming significant amounts of water and energy and producing a multitude of waste in various waste categories, including regulated medical waste. It was estimated that, in 2007, total effects of US healthcare system greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions constituted 8% of the total US GHG.”
Investigators in the publication break down the best sustainability practices in radiology into four key sections:
- reduce energy and water use
- reduce waste
- increase use of biodegradable materials
- proper waste disposal and recycling when possible
One of the first recommendations in this publication is the collaboration between radiologists and manufacturers to create more sustainable imaging devices and technologies. The publication states that “over the course of a year, 4 MRI scanners and 3 CT scanners use enough electricity to power a town in Switzerland of 852 people.”
Beyond the more significant development concept, simple practices such as efficient lighting, shutting down monitors when not in use, and climate control systems can significantly reduce the energy used in imaging.
Practices to reduce waste typically involve leadership choices that include going paperless and opting for Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) and reusable options, such as FDA-approved reusable surgical gowns, when possible.
Additional waste reduction may include redesigning packaging for medical supplies and replacing single-use items with biodegradable versions.
Proper disposal of waste plays a crucial role in improving sustainability in radiology. According to this publication, radiological waste can be considered solid or regulated medical waste. Researchers in the journal explained that regulated medical waste requires additional energy to dispose of. To combat that, proper segregation strategies can allow for recycling and reduced regulated medical waste.
Researchers in the publication concluded that “Radiologists and healthcare organizations have many opportunities to make smaller and larger contributions toward a greener environment. The most impactful actions that can be taken fall under the auspice of operational leadership within radiology practices. Leadership and advocacy from radiologists are most important to raise awareness of greening opportunities in radiology and to implement and report on successful greening radiology initiatives.”
Considering climate change's many public health implications, individual providers and healthcare organizations are encouraged to quickly adopt sustainable practices in medical imaging and all other aspects.
