Role of green and sustainable practices in shaping the future of medical imaging technology: A cross-sectional multi-stakeholder analysis among students, radiographers, and academic experts

Introduction

The detection and treatment of diseases like COVID, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, etc., have made medical imaging technology more necessary, so it is expected that the demands of imaging modalities are also increasing and are major contributors to carbon emissions in the healthcare industry. Hence, the Radiology departments, like the rest of the healthcare industry should adapt the procedures to become more sustainable.

Methods

A total of 1016 respondents completed the online survey to assess the perception, current practices, and challenges in adopting green and sustainable practices in medical imaging. The radio technologists, teaching faculties, and students of medical imaging were recruited for the study. The survey tool was distributed to the closed groups through social media and emails.

Results

The majority of participants (66.6%) highlighted the importance of green and sustainable practices in medical imaging whereas only 21.06% of participants seem to have implemented these practices. Most of the participants give positive responses on the use of zero-lead aprons (77%), refurbished medical systems (85.8%), and eco-friendly packaging (89.5%). The mixed response was received from waste segregation and energy-saving measures. The majority (60.3%) of them have no formal education or training. However, they have a good attitude towards the willingness to adopt green practices.

Conclusions

There is a gap between perception and implementation of green and sustainable practices due to leadership and information barriers. Comprehensive training for stakeholders of medical imaging is crucial to fully integrate sustainability practices, possibly through webinars or educational modules.

Implications for practice

The study's findings shed light on how important medical imaging stakeholders view green and sustainable practices as well as potential obstacles to their implementation at the local level whilst suggesting the need for exclusive training on these practices to promote sustainability.