[Engage patients in making healthcare more environmentally sustainable].

Abstract

Many Dutch patients consider sustainability important and are willing to make sustainable choices, even if this means compromising the effectiveness of their treatment. However, they indicate a lack of knowledge to make these choices. Healthcare providers can play a key role by addressing the environmental impact of different treatments and promoting healthy, sustainable lifestyles. However, it is a prior condition to bridge the existing knowledge gaps on this topic. Sustainability is also an argument in the context of 'appropriate care' - by preventing overtreatment and giving more consideration to the option of no (or limited) treatment. Finally, patients are a valuable source of knowledge and experience regarding sustainability in their own care process. Using their feedback will make healthcare practices more sustainable. Although involving patients in sustainable choices is still in an exploratory phase, there are already numerous opportunities to implement this approach. Moreover, patients are actively asking for it!