Travel in Orthopaedics: Getting Where We Need To Be For the Planet

Abstract

Effects of the climate crisis are becoming evident for citizens around the world. Decades of climate science have concluded that the crisis is a direct result of increased atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) directly attributable to human activity. GHGs come from all walks of society, and healthcare is no exception. There are several well-documented sources of GHGs originating from the delivery of healthcare, but transportation has seen relatively little attention. In this chapter, we outline the potential contributors to GHGs from transportation in orthopaedics. These include travel of the patient, surgeon and staff for direct care. We also discuss potential effects of satellite clinics and telehealth. Finally, we review patient travel for physical therapy as well as surgeon travel for educational courses and conferences. It is our hope that the reader will gain a deeper understanding of some of these lesser appreciated sources of GHG emissions stemming from our delivery of care and adopt strategies to mitigate these emissions.