Exploring the sustainable impacts of a clinical healthcare research scholarship programme.

Abstract

Background: The NHS is the first public body globally to commit to net zero.

Aim: This study aimed to explore the environmental sustainability impact of a hospital scholarship programme.

Method: A sustainable quality improvement value framework was used to measure the programme's environmental, social and financial effects.

Results: The social impact through face-to-face contact was most valued by scholars; there were also savings in carbon emissions and costs.

Discussion: Training in sustainability is essential for the workforce but little infrastructure and expertise are available within organisations to support staff to provide sustainable healthcare in day-to-day practice.

Conclusion: Sustainable healthcare should be supported by education and national guidance and implementation plans should be drawn up to this end. The social impact of the framework used is often seen as less important than its environmental and financial components; however, as its value to scholars illustrates, the components are intertwined and should be considered of equal importance.