Why is telemedicine an opportunity for environmental protection? If you're looking for an answer to this question, you've come to the right place! Digitalization is changing the way we live and work. Digital medicine, for example, is already creating an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional visits to the doctor. Especially for Sustainability It therefore offers major advantages for the healthcare sector.
In this article, I would like to present the most important reasons why telemedicine is sustainable and climate-friendly - and that its benefits are more than just practical and health-related. Let's go!
Background: What is telemedicine? And what does digitalization mean in medicine?
Telemedicine refers to medical services that can also be provided using technical aids. over longer distances are offered.
It is part of the Digitalization of medicinewhich, in turn, are basically the Use of digital technologies in healthcare and the switch from analog to digital processes. For example, in areas such as the documentation of patient data, communication between doctors and patients and the creation of diagnoses.
For example Digital patient files replace the classic paper files, AI tools improve diagnostics and Video chats enable communication between medical practices and patients from home despite physical separation.
10 tips: What makes telemedicine more sustainable?
The aforementioned conversions can, among other things Medical services optimized, Costs lowered, the Well-being of the patients is optimized and, last but not least, the Sustainability in our healthcare system be driven forward.
How the latter can work in detail and what specific reasons I will now explain what I think makes telemedicine so environmentally friendly.
1. fewer trips to the practice
Ten visits to the doctor is the average amount of time each and every German spends at home each year. And sometimes you also want to pick up only one prescriptiondiscuss a finding or get advice on follow-up examinations.
The kilometers Car journeys to and from the practice home are environmentally friendly (keyword Climate Change and Air Pollution) is of course a problem. Especially in rural areas, where surgeries are often far away from people's homes, people often have no choice.
With the help of telemedicine avoid such trips in many cases. Instead of having to travel long distances, patients can then simply connect with GPs, therapists or even nutritionists from home.
Less stress for you, less congestion on the roads and fewer pollutants in the air: everyone wins, including the environment. Even if just a small proportion of our population switched to digital doctor's appointments, this would have a extremely positive effect on the Germany's CO2 balance.
2. lower energy consumption in doctors' surgeries and clinics
Every medical practice needs electricity for Lighting, heating, air conditioning, technical equipment (such as X-ray machines and computers) and general operations. The more patients are cared for on site, the higher the energy consumption.
Digital medicine, on the other hand, can help save electricity. Among other things, because fewer patients to be cared for on site and secondly, because medical practices are Work more efficiently can. Some practices could downsize in the future as the amount of space required decreases.
3. paperless documentation
Patient files, prescriptions, referrals, information materialsMost practices and clinics still have an extremely high paper consumption.
Sustainable telemedicine, on the other hand, consistently relies on digital processes. Digital patient files make printingThis makes copying and archiving paper documents superfluous. Prescriptions are also increasingly being sent directly to pharmacies in digital form, which makes the Printout of recipes unnecessary makes.
The not only saves tons of paper, but also Energy and ink. Less paper consumption also means Fewer trees felledwhich in turn Species Extinction counteracts this. In addition, medical documentation becomes more efficient and faster, which Saves time and resources.
4. the waiting room becomes overcrowded
A classic waiting room is a place that consumes a lot of resources. Whether Magazines and brochures, disinfectants, heating or electricity.
In telemedicine, on the other hand, there is no need for a waiting room, as patients can attend their doctor's appointment from the comfort of their own home. This will Less mountains of magazines and disposable coffee cups - and the cleaning of the practice rooms is also possible in a slimmed-down version.
5. fewer disposable medical products
Disposable items are the symbol of our Throwaway Society. They are only intended for short-term use and then end up in the bin. In traditional medicine, disposable materials such as Gloves, masks or Protective gown however, is indispensable. Especially to avoid infections.
Another advantage of telemedicine at this point is that it allows the Demand for such disposable products significantly reduced. You don't need a mask for a doctor's consultation or a digital examination - and your doctor doesn't have to wear gloves during the examination either.
6. flexible working reduces commuting distances
Of course, telemedicine is not only changing the everyday lives of patients, but also those of Commuters. And most doctors have to drive to and from the practice every day.
However, thanks to the digitalization of the healthcare industry, many doctors are already using the option of working from home or at home. in flexible working models to work.
So eliminates the daily commute to the practiceso that once again CO2 emissions saved at the same time as patients benefit from flexible appointments and shorter waiting times.
Whether you are a doctor or not: I have written a separate blog article for you about the best possible sustainable commute compiled. Have a look!
7. less dependence on expensive equipment
Traditional medical practices or clinics require large buildings, countless pieces of furniture, medical equipment and much more. Telemedicine significantly minimizes this need. All you need as a doctor or patient is a stable internet connection and a device like a Smartphone, tablet or laptop within your four walls.
Ultimately, thanks to digitalization, we are also fewer building resources This is necessary because the number of patients in practices and clinics is decreasing. This in turn can lead to more Space for recreational green areas on site, which is also Biodiversity serve.
8. fewer medication errors thanks to smart technologies
An often overlooked advantage of telemedicine is the possibility of reducing medication errors. Digital systems make it possible to More precise recording and management of patient data. For example, electronic prescriptions minimize errors caused by handwriting that is difficult to read. And doctors can also recognize more quickly which medications are suitable for the individual and which are potentially harmful.
In this way, the digitalization of medicine not only conserves resources, but also contributes to the general health to this. This in turn has long-term positive effects on the consumption of medicines, on their production and also on the need to supply them.
9. prevention and better chances of recovery through lower hurdles
Many people are reluctant to go to the doctor. The reasons can be, for example Lack of time or convenience. Telemedicine minimizes such hurdles, promotes rapid diagnoses and thus also prevents any subsequent health problems, serious illnesses and possibly also lengthy and costly treatments.
How exactly? Doctor and pharmacy services, such as the ZAVA, capsule or DoctorABC make it possible, for example, to Consult a doctor onlineto obtain a valid prescription and have the medication delivered to your home. On the latter platform, you can even find a wide range of information on various medical specialties.
10. more targeted diagnosis and aftercare from a distance
Instead of routinely carrying out expensive and resource-intensive tests in a doctor's office, doctors can first assess the patient during teleconsultations, whether these tests are necessary at all.
This allows, among other things Avoid unnecessary medication, consumables or follow-up examinationsthat do not really serve to cure or prevent.
The targeted aftercare and the Answering important questions of the patient can often be carried out remotely, so that once again natural Conserving resources can be.
Is telemedicine sustainable? Yes. And an opportunity for a green revolution in medicine!
Now you have Many reasons for the digitalization of healthcare and know that it makes the way we use medical services more efficient and environmentally friendly.
The question of whether telemedicine is sustainable can therefore be answered with a clear "Yes!". In my opinion, it not only provides the answer to the needs of today's patients, but also makes a a decisive contribution to a healthier planet. And only there can we all stay healthy in the long term.
"Health is not everything, but without health, everything is nothing."
Arthur Schopenhauer, German philosopher and university lecturer (1788-1860)
Do you have any questions, suggestions or other reasons why telemedicine is sustainable? Then I look forward to your comment.
Stay environmentally conscious and healthy,
PS: I have also provided you with a further article for Health in the home office written. Have a look there too!
