Green Endoscopy and Climate Change | April 2023-Presentation

Presentation

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In this document, the focus is on the intersection of endoscopy procedures and climate change. It starts by discussing the impact of climate change, including rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and the melting of glaciers and sea ice. The document then explores the health impacts of climate change, such as malnutrition, air pollution-related illnesses, and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. <br /><br />Next, the document delves into the concept of greenhouse gas emissions and their connection to climate change. It explains that healthcare, including endoscopy, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through various activities like energy consumption, transport, and waste disposal. Healthcare has been identified as the fifth largest global emitter, and the carbon footprint of endoscopy procedures is significant due to factors like high-throughput caseloads, single-use consumables, waste disposal, and energy usage.<br /><br />The document also highlights the issue of waste generated by endoscopy procedures, with endoscopy being the third greatest source of medical waste in hospitals. It notes that only a small portion of this waste is recycled, with the majority ending up in landfills.<br /><br />To address these challenges and reduce the carbon footprint of endoscopy, the document suggests various strategies. These include advocating for change at the global and national level, collaboration with industry, and focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling. Specific ideas mentioned include telemedicine to reduce travel, reprocessing of devices, environmentally friendly cleaning solutions, and waste allocation education.<br /><br />Another section of the document discusses the debate between using disposable and reusable accessories and duodenoscopes. It mentions the concern of infections associated with reusable devices and the need to balance factors like cost and ease of implementation.<br /><br />The document concludes by emphasizing the importance of addressing the carbon footprint of endoscopy procedures and the need for a collaborative and environmentally conscious approach. It encourages healthcare professionals to engage in sustainability activities and contribute to reducing the impact of endoscopy on climate change.

Keywords

endoscopy procedures

climate change

greenhouse gas emissions

health impacts

waste disposal

carbon footprint

medical waste

reducing, reusing, recycling

telemedicine

infections