Environmentally sustainable health and social care: Scoping review and implications for the English NHS

Abstract

Objectives To review the evidence on environmental sustainability in health and social care, describe what the implications of sustainability might be for service models and policy, and explore the connection between environmental and financial sustainability. Methods Literature review of 78 published articles and qualitative analysis of 28 semi-structured interviews. Results Provision of health and social care has a substantial impact on the environment, and opportunities exist at a number of levels to deliver services in a more sustainable way. While there is some scope to improve efficiency at the operational level, significant improvements in sustainability may require a more fundamental transformation in service models, for example, with a stronger emphasis on prevention. The current policy framework in England is perceived to create a number of barriers that discourage professionals from redesigning services in ways which could promote both environmental and financial sustainability. Conclusions Increasingly, health and social care will need to be delivered in ways that are not only financially sustainable, but environmentally sustainable too. Close conceptual connections exist with improving productivity – focusing on cost-effectiveness, value and prevention of avoidable activity could enhance sustainability from both an environmental and a financial perspective. Priorities for health care organisations could include prevention, exploring the opportunities presented by new technologies, and improving medicines management and prescribing practices. Policy-makers need to explore what changes are needed to create a more enabling environment, as well as how existing policies can be delivered in the most sustainable way.