Teaching skills for sustainable health care

In the context of accelerating concern regarding the climate and ecological crisis and the recognition of this crisis as a health threat, there is growing motivation among the health-care community to reduce the negative environmental impact of health care. Globally, the health-care sector is estimated to be the 5th largest carbon emitter. A health system that is socially, environ mentally, and financially sustainable requires clinical leadership, yet few health-care workers possess the conceptual framework or practical skills for creating new models of care. Clinicians can protect planetary health as a core part of professional practice by integrating triple bottom line measures into quality improvement or quality management practices. Initial efforts to integrate sustainability into quality improvement teaching and training have been shown to transform learners' interest in quality improvement and environmental sustainability. Embedding sustainability principles and techniques into established quality improvement education and practice can operationalise planetary health, building the skills necessary for health-care system transformation at the speed and scale required.

Automated summary

Amid increasing concerns about climate change and the recognition of its impact on health, the healthcare community is increasingly motivated to reduce the environmental footprint of healthcare. Global healthcare sector is the 5th largest carbon emitter. However, limited healthcare workers have the knowledge and skills to create new care models for sustainability. By integrating triple bottom line measures into quality improvement practices, clinicians can protect planetary health and transform the healthcare system. Embedding sustainability principles into established quality improvement education and practice is crucial for the necessary transformation.