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Environmental Benefits of Reducing Patient Mobility and Hospitalization

Author

Listed:
  • Vanesa Jiménez-Lacarra

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of La Rioja, 26004 Logroño, Spain)

  • Eduardo Martínez-Cámara

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of La Rioja, 26004 Logroño, Spain)

  • Juan Carlos Sáenz-Diez Muro

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, University of La Rioja, 26004 Logroño, Spain)

  • Emilio Jiménez-Macías

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, University of La Rioja, 26004 Logroño, Spain)

  • Julio Blanco-Fernández

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of La Rioja, 26004 Logroño, Spain)

Abstract

New healthcare management strategies aim to reduce in-person visits and patient hospitalization while ensuring patient safety. These strategies optimize resources, alleviate pressure on healthcare services, and decrease travel and mobility within healthcare environments. This research analyzes the environmental impact and sustainability associated with transportation and mobility in traditional hospital-based healthcare services, which have been relocated to bring healthcare closer to patients. This retrospective study utilizes data from two hospital centers spanning the years 2021 to 2023. The objective is to highlight the environmental benefits and sustainability of providing healthcare in the patient’s environment. The methodology employs life cycle analysis to compare three scenarios: traditional healthcare in hospitals, healthcare provided at the patient’s location through home hospitalization and medical consultations at nearby health centers, and healthcare professionals’ travel using electric vehicles. The results demonstrate that healthcare professionals traveling to the patient’s home or nearby health centers reduce environmental impact across all analyzed impact categories. Promoting home hospitalization, specialized consultations at local health centers, and primary care can effectively reduce unnecessary patient travel and minimize environmental impact, enhancing sustainability. Health policies should prioritize actions to reduce hospital visits, emphasizing prevention over disease treatment. Such practices would not only benefit patients but further promote sustainability and environmental protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Vanesa Jiménez-Lacarra & Eduardo Martínez-Cámara & Juan Carlos Sáenz-Diez Muro & Emilio Jiménez-Macías & Julio Blanco-Fernández, 2024. "Environmental Benefits of Reducing Patient Mobility and Hospitalization," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:24:p:11073-:d:1545930
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zakaria A. Mani & Krzysztof Goniewicz, 2024. "Transforming Healthcare in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Vision 2030’s Impact," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-23, April.
    2. Domenico Bevere & Nicola Faccilongo, 2024. "Shaping the Future of Healthcare: Integrating Ecology and Digital Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-20, May.
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