Positive environmental impact of remote teleconsultation in urology during the COVID-19 pandemic in a highly populated area

INTRODUCTION: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a serious environmental issue. The healthcare sector is an important emitter of GHGs. Our aim was to assess the environmental cost of teleconsultations in urology compared to face-to-face consultations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study of all patients who had a remote teleconsultation over a 2-week period during COVID-19 pandemic. Main outcome was the reduction in CO(2)e emissions related to teleconsultation compared to face-to-face consultation and was calculated as: total teleconsultation CO(2)e emissions–total face-to-face consultation CO(2)e emissions. Secondary outcome measures were the reduction in travel distance and travel time related to teleconsultation. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included. Face-to-face consultations would have resulted in 6699 km (4162 miles) of travel (83.7 km (52 miles) per patient). Cars were the usual means of transport. CO(2)e avoided due to lack of travel was calculated at 1.1 tonnes. Teleconsultation was responsible for 1.1 kg CO(2)e while face-to-face consultation emitted 0.5 kg of CO(2)e. Overall, the total reduction in GHGs with teleconsultation was 1141 kg CO(2)e, representing a 99% decrease in emissions. Total savings on transport were 974 € and savings on travel time were 112 h (1.4 h/patient). CONCLUSIONS: Teleconsultation reduces the environmental impact of face-to-face consultations. The use of teleconsultation in our urology departments resulted in the avoidance of more than 6000 km of travel, equivalent to a reduction of 1.1 tonnes of CO(2)e. Teleconsultation should be considered for specific indications as the healthcare system attempts to become greener. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.