Implementing a Digital Self-Management App Can Support the NHS's Green Agenda: A Service Evaluation in a Community Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Service.

Abstract

Introduction: Primary care accounts for up to one-fifth of all NHS carbon emissions, with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain accounting for 14%-20% of all primary care consultations. Digital Health Technologies (DHTs), including self-management apps, offer a potential solution to help the NHS reduce its carbon footprint.

Aims: To investigate the carbon footprint impact that the implementation of a digitally supported self-management app has had within an NHS Musculoskeletal (MSK) service between 2023 and 2024.

Methods: Calculations were based on the reduction in carbon emissions associated directly from patients not needing to travel to in-person appointments alongside the subsequent reduction in use of NHS facilities. This reduction in carbon emissions was then offset by the software associated emissions and that of the technology partners' clinicians overseeing the digitally supported self-management pathway, allowing for the calculation of the net carbon savings.

Results: Six hundred and thirty-five patients were offered, accepted and accessed self-management support using the digital self-management app. The estimated reduction in emissions from reduced patient travel and infrastructure usage associated with NHS outpatient appointments was 63,741.2 kgCO₂ ^e. This total was offset by 551.46 kgCO₂ ^e of emissions associated with the digital app (Phio Engage) software and clinical oversight by the digital team, thus the overall reduction in carbon footprint was estimated to be 63,189.74 kgCO₂ ^e.

Conclusion: This 24-month evaluation demonstrates that implementation of a digital supported self-management pathway as an additional offer for patients accessing MSK care can lower the carbon footprint of a community MSK service and support the NHS in achieving its net zero strategy. It also provides a potential framework for MSK services to be used in the future when considering carbon costs of treatment pathways.