How can the model for a sustainable surgical pathway be enhanced by digital medicine?

Abstract

Climate change is having a significant impact on human health and surgery is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions from healthcare. Digital health refers to the use of digital technologies and tools to improve healthcare delivery, enhance health outcomes, and increase the efficiency of healthcare systems. It encompasses a broad range of applications, from mobile health apps and wearable devices to telemedicine, electronic records, and advanced data analytics. These can all be successfully applied to the surgical pathway, reducing the burden on carbon-intensive healthcare systems through minimizing operative risk, enhancing the patient's perioperative experience and modelling sustainable resource use. However, many of these technologies are in their infancy and more evidence is required to ensure that potentially costly technologies and hardware are worthwhile for patients and minimize the environmental impact of surgery. This is particularly relevant to robotic surgery, which is significantly more carbon-intensive than equivalent laparoscopic and open procedures.