Embedding education into clinical laboratory professional training to foster sustainable development and greener practice

It has become apparent that the climate crisis is reaching critical levels and Governments and key organisations are recognising the need for change. A review of current literature reveals very little published research concerning the impact of clinical laboratory practice on the carbon footprint of healthcare. For a clinical laboratory to become more environmentally sound, key target areas of focus are required. With sustainability becoming a key consideration for course development, employing educational principles such as Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the form of Sustainability in Quality Improvement (SusQI), Quality Improvement objectives can be met, while benefitting the patient and the environmental impact of organisation.

Automated summary

It is evident that the climate crisis is at a critical level, prompting the need for change. Limited published research exists on the impact of clinical laboratory practices on healthcare's carbon footprint. To achieve environmental sustainability in clinical laboratories, targeted areas of focus are necessary. By employing educational principles such as Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the form of Sustainability in Quality Improvement (SusQI), quality improvement objectives can be met, benefiting both the patient and the environmental impact of the organization.