O22: Postoperative Telemedicine is feasible and sustainable; a prospective life-cycle assessment approach to carbon footprint analysis

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The NHS must provide a net zero service by 2045. Innovative strategies are required to quantify, evaluate and implement environmentally friendly interventions into practice. The study evaluates the feasibility and sustainability of remote post-operative follow-up using novel methodology. Methods Patients were reviewed remotely and face-to-face at 30 days post-operatively. A prospective life-cycle assessment(LCA) approach to carbon footprint analysis was used to calculate carbon emissions kgCO2e. Patient postcodes were applied to conversion factors to calculate travel emissions. Median(IQR) kgCO2e saved were presented. Carbon offsetting values are based on kgCO2e sequestered by a standardised UK variety tree. Results 31 participants(M:F 2.4, 66.7±11.7 years) were included. The median return distance for patient travel was 42.5km(7.2-58.7). Median reduction using remote follow-up was 41.2 kgCO2e(24.5-80.3) per patient(P<0.001). Using remote follow-up is equivalent to planting 1 tree for every 6.9 patients reviewed. Every readmission with SSI results in an additional 1219.93 kgCO2e. Discussion This model shows that the prospective LCA approach is achievable. Implementation of an asynchronous follow-up model is effective in substantially reducing the carbon footprint of a tertiary vascular surgical centre. Further work is needed to corroborate these findings on a larger scale and incorporate kgCO2e into cost analysis of SSI monitoring strategies.