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Bwanga O, Chinene B, Mudadi L, Kafwimbi S, Nyawani P, Matika W, Mushosho EY, Mutandiro L, Ohene-Botwe B. Environmental sustainability in radiography in low-resource settings: A qualitative study of awareness, practices, and challenges among Zimbabwean and Zambian radiographers. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30 Suppl 1:35-42. [PMID: 38875974 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence suggests that radiography activities have a significant impact on the environment. With growing awareness of the negative environmental consequences of radiography services, there is an increasing call for radiographers to adopt sustainable practices. However, little is known about the levels of awareness, current practices, and challenges faced by radiographers working in low-resource settings on this subject. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the awareness, practices, and challenges among Zimbabwean and Zambian radiographers about environmental sustainability in radiography. METHODS An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was used in this study. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 19 purposively sampled participants (N = 8 and N = 11) in Zimbabwe and Zambia, respectively. The audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis six-phase framework. RESULTS Following thematic data analysis three main themes emerged: awareness of the concept of sustainability among radiographers, sustainability practices in radiography, and challenges of implementing sustainability in radiography. The study found that some radiology departments continue to rely on film-screen imaging systems due to insufficient financial resources to transition to digital imaging systems. Consequently, this constraint emerged as the central obstacle thwarting the implementation of sustainable practices in radiography. CONCLUSION Most radiographers understood the concept of sustainability in radiography; however, they were concerned about the negative impact of radiography practices on the environment and wanted more training and financial support to mitigate this impact. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Environmental sustainability should be integrated into the radiography curriculum and provision of continuing professional development (CPD) to impart radiographers with knowledge and the best practices. Periodical audits should be conducted to monitor sustainable practices and reward deserving radiology departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Bwanga
- Midland University Hospital Tullamore, Radiology Department Co., Offaly, Ireland.
| | - B Chinene
- Harare Institute of Technology, Department of Radiography, Belvedere, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - L Mudadi
- Royal Papworth Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - S Kafwimbi
- University of Zambia, School of Health Sciences, Department of Radiography, Zambia
| | - P Nyawani
- Harare Institute of Technology, Department of Radiography, Belvedere, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - W Matika
- Harare Institute of Technology, Department of Radiography, Belvedere, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - E Y Mushosho
- Harare Institute of Technology, Department of Radiography, Belvedere, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - L Mutandiro
- Harare Institute of Technology, Department of Radiography, Belvedere, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - B Ohene-Botwe
- Department of Midwifery and Radiography, University of London Northampton Square London EC1V 0HB, United Kingdom
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Gunasekaran S, Szava-Kovats A, Battey T, Gross J, Picano E, Raman SV, Lee E, Bissell MM, Alasnag M, Campbell-Washburn AE, Hanneman K. Cardiovascular Imaging, Climate Change, and Environmental Sustainability. Radiol Cardiothorac Imaging 2024; 6:e240135. [PMID: 38900024 DOI: 10.1148/ryct.240135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Environmental exposures including poor air quality and extreme temperatures are exacerbated by climate change and are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Concomitantly, the delivery of health care generates substantial atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contributing to the climate crisis. Therefore, cardiac imaging teams must be aware not only of the adverse cardiovascular health effects of climate change, but also the downstream environmental ramifications of cardiovascular imaging. The purpose of this review is to highlight the impact of climate change on cardiovascular health, discuss the environmental impact of cardiovascular imaging, and describe opportunities to improve environmental sustainability of cardiac MRI, cardiac CT, echocardiography, cardiac nuclear imaging, and invasive cardiovascular imaging. Overarching strategies to improve environmental sustainability in cardiovascular imaging include prioritizing imaging tests with lower GHG emissions when more than one test is appropriate, reducing low-value imaging, and turning equipment off when not in use. Modality-specific opportunities include focused MRI protocols and low-field-strength applications, iodine contrast media recycling programs in cardiac CT, judicious use of US-enhancing agents in echocardiography, improved radiopharmaceutical procurement and waste management in nuclear cardiology, and use of reusable supplies in interventional suites. Finally, future directions and research are highlighted, including life cycle assessments over the lifespan of cardiac imaging equipment and the impact of artificial intelligence tools. Keywords: Heart, Safety, Sustainability, Cardiovascular Imaging Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvai Gunasekaran
- From the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif (S.G.); Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill (S.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peter Lougheed Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va (T.B.); Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.G.); Division of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (E.P.); OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio (S.V.R.); Langley Memorial Hospital, British Columbia, Canada (E.L.); Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom (M.M.B.); Cardiac Center, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (M.A.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md (A.E.C.W.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University Health Network (UHN), 585 University Avenue, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Andrew Szava-Kovats
- From the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif (S.G.); Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill (S.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peter Lougheed Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va (T.B.); Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.G.); Division of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (E.P.); OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio (S.V.R.); Langley Memorial Hospital, British Columbia, Canada (E.L.); Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom (M.M.B.); Cardiac Center, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (M.A.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md (A.E.C.W.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University Health Network (UHN), 585 University Avenue, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Thomas Battey
- From the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif (S.G.); Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill (S.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peter Lougheed Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va (T.B.); Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.G.); Division of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (E.P.); OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio (S.V.R.); Langley Memorial Hospital, British Columbia, Canada (E.L.); Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom (M.M.B.); Cardiac Center, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (M.A.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md (A.E.C.W.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University Health Network (UHN), 585 University Avenue, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Jonathan Gross
- From the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif (S.G.); Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill (S.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peter Lougheed Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va (T.B.); Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.G.); Division of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (E.P.); OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio (S.V.R.); Langley Memorial Hospital, British Columbia, Canada (E.L.); Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom (M.M.B.); Cardiac Center, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (M.A.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md (A.E.C.W.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University Health Network (UHN), 585 University Avenue, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Eugenio Picano
- From the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif (S.G.); Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill (S.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peter Lougheed Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va (T.B.); Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.G.); Division of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (E.P.); OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio (S.V.R.); Langley Memorial Hospital, British Columbia, Canada (E.L.); Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom (M.M.B.); Cardiac Center, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (M.A.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md (A.E.C.W.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University Health Network (UHN), 585 University Avenue, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Subha V Raman
- From the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif (S.G.); Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill (S.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peter Lougheed Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va (T.B.); Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.G.); Division of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (E.P.); OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio (S.V.R.); Langley Memorial Hospital, British Columbia, Canada (E.L.); Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom (M.M.B.); Cardiac Center, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (M.A.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md (A.E.C.W.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University Health Network (UHN), 585 University Avenue, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Emil Lee
- From the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif (S.G.); Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill (S.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peter Lougheed Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va (T.B.); Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.G.); Division of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (E.P.); OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio (S.V.R.); Langley Memorial Hospital, British Columbia, Canada (E.L.); Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom (M.M.B.); Cardiac Center, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (M.A.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md (A.E.C.W.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University Health Network (UHN), 585 University Avenue, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Malenka M Bissell
- From the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif (S.G.); Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill (S.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peter Lougheed Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va (T.B.); Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.G.); Division of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (E.P.); OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio (S.V.R.); Langley Memorial Hospital, British Columbia, Canada (E.L.); Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom (M.M.B.); Cardiac Center, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (M.A.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md (A.E.C.W.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University Health Network (UHN), 585 University Avenue, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Mirvat Alasnag
- From the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif (S.G.); Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill (S.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peter Lougheed Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va (T.B.); Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.G.); Division of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (E.P.); OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio (S.V.R.); Langley Memorial Hospital, British Columbia, Canada (E.L.); Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom (M.M.B.); Cardiac Center, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (M.A.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md (A.E.C.W.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University Health Network (UHN), 585 University Avenue, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Adrienne E Campbell-Washburn
- From the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif (S.G.); Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill (S.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peter Lougheed Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va (T.B.); Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.G.); Division of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (E.P.); OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio (S.V.R.); Langley Memorial Hospital, British Columbia, Canada (E.L.); Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom (M.M.B.); Cardiac Center, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (M.A.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md (A.E.C.W.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University Health Network (UHN), 585 University Avenue, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Kate Hanneman
- From the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif (S.G.); Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill (S.G.); Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peter Lougheed Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (A.S.K.); Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va (T.B.); Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.G.); Division of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia (E.P.); OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio (S.V.R.); Langley Memorial Hospital, British Columbia, Canada (E.L.); Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom (M.M.B.); Cardiac Center, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (M.A.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md (A.E.C.W.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University Health Network (UHN), 585 University Avenue, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (K.H.)
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Kim HHR, Leschied JR, Lall N, Otero HJ, Kadom N. That's GROSS! Practical steps towards sustainability in pediatric radiology. Pediatr Radiol 2024; 54:1036-1039. [PMID: 38374438 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-024-05878-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Helen H R Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, MA.7.220, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
| | - Jessica R Leschied
- Department of Radiology, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Neil Lall
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hansel J Otero
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nadja Kadom
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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McKee H, Brown MJ, Kim HHR, Doo FX, Panet H, Rockall AG, Omary RA, Hanneman K. Planetary Health and Radiology: Why We Should Care and What We Can Do. Radiology 2024; 311:e240219. [PMID: 38652030 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.240219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Climate change adversely affects the well-being of humans and the entire planet. A planetary health framework recognizes that sustaining a healthy planet is essential to achieving individual, community, and global health. Radiology contributes to the climate crisis by generating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the production and use of medical imaging equipment and supplies. To promote planetary health, strategies that mitigate and adapt to climate change in radiology are needed. Mitigation strategies to reduce GHG emissions include switching to renewable energy sources, refurbishing rather than replacing imaging scanners, and powering down unused scanners. Radiology departments must also build resiliency to the now unavoidable impacts of the climate crisis. Adaptation strategies include education, upgrading building infrastructure, and developing departmental sustainability dashboards to track progress in achieving sustainability goals. Shifting practices to catalyze these necessary changes in radiology requires a coordinated approach. This includes partnering with key stakeholders, providing effective communication, and prioritizing high-impact interventions. This article reviews the intersection of planetary health and radiology. Its goals are to emphasize why we should care about sustainability, showcase actions we can take to mitigate our impact, and prepare us to adapt to the effects of climate change. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the article by Ibrahim et al in this issue. See also the article by Lenkinski and Rofsky in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley McKee
- From the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (H.M.) and Department of Medical Imaging (H.M., H.P., K.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (M.J.B.); Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Wash (H.H.R.K.); University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii) Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md (F.X.D.); Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn (R.A.O.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.); and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 1 PMB-298, 585 University Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.)
| | - Maura J Brown
- From the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (H.M.) and Department of Medical Imaging (H.M., H.P., K.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (M.J.B.); Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Wash (H.H.R.K.); University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii) Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md (F.X.D.); Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn (R.A.O.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.); and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 1 PMB-298, 585 University Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.)
| | - Helen H R Kim
- From the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (H.M.) and Department of Medical Imaging (H.M., H.P., K.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (M.J.B.); Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Wash (H.H.R.K.); University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii) Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md (F.X.D.); Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn (R.A.O.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.); and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 1 PMB-298, 585 University Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.)
| | - Florence X Doo
- From the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (H.M.) and Department of Medical Imaging (H.M., H.P., K.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (M.J.B.); Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Wash (H.H.R.K.); University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii) Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md (F.X.D.); Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn (R.A.O.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.); and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 1 PMB-298, 585 University Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.)
| | - Hayley Panet
- From the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (H.M.) and Department of Medical Imaging (H.M., H.P., K.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (M.J.B.); Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Wash (H.H.R.K.); University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii) Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md (F.X.D.); Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn (R.A.O.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.); and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 1 PMB-298, 585 University Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.)
| | - Andrea G Rockall
- From the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (H.M.) and Department of Medical Imaging (H.M., H.P., K.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (M.J.B.); Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Wash (H.H.R.K.); University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii) Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md (F.X.D.); Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn (R.A.O.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.); and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 1 PMB-298, 585 University Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.)
| | - Reed A Omary
- From the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (H.M.) and Department of Medical Imaging (H.M., H.P., K.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (M.J.B.); Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Wash (H.H.R.K.); University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii) Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md (F.X.D.); Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn (R.A.O.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.); and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 1 PMB-298, 585 University Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.)
| | - Kate Hanneman
- From the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (H.M.) and Department of Medical Imaging (H.M., H.P., K.H.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (M.J.B.); Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Wash (H.H.R.K.); University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii) Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md (F.X.D.); Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, England (A.G.R.); Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn (R.A.O.); Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.); and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 1 PMB-298, 585 University Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (K.H.)
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5
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Chaban YV, Vosshenrich J, McKee H, Gunasekaran S, Brown MJ, Atalay MK, Heye T, Markl M, Woolen SA, Simonetti OP, Hanneman K. Environmental Sustainability and MRI: Challenges, Opportunities, and a Call for Action. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 59:1149-1167. [PMID: 37694980 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The environmental impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has recently come into focus. This includes its enormous demand for electricity compared to other imaging modalities and contamination of water bodies with anthropogenic gadolinium related to contrast administration. Given the pressing threat of climate change, addressing these challenges to improve the environmental sustainability of MRI is imperative. The purpose of this review is to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and the need for action to reduce the environmental impact of MRI and prepare for the effects of climate change. The approaches outlined are categorized as strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from MRI during production and use phases, approaches to reduce the environmental impact of MRI including the preservation of finite resources, and development of adaption plans to prepare for the impact of climate change. Co-benefits of these strategies are emphasized including lower GHG emission and reduced cost along with improved heath and patient satisfaction. Although MRI is energy-intensive, there are many steps that can be taken now to improve the environmental sustainability of MRI and prepare for the effects of climate change. On-going research, technical development, and collaboration with industry partners are needed to achieve further reductions in MRI-related GHG emissions and to decrease the reliance on finite resources. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri V Chaban
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jan Vosshenrich
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hayley McKee
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Suvai Gunasekaran
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Maura J Brown
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael K Atalay
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Tobias Heye
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Markl
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Sean A Woolen
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Kate Hanneman
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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6
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Rovira À, Ben Salem D, Geraldo AF, Cappelle S, Del Poggio A, Cocozza S, Saatci I, Zlatareva D, Lojo S, Quattrocchi CC, Morales Á, Yousry T. Go Green in Neuroradiology: towards reducing the environmental impact of its practice. Neuroradiology 2024; 66:463-476. [PMID: 38353699 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-024-03305-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Raising public awareness about the relevance of supporting sustainable practices is required owing to the phenomena of global warming caused by the rising production of greenhouse gases. The healthcare sector generates a relevant proportion of the total carbon emissions in developed countries, and radiology is estimated to be a major contributor to this carbon footprint. Neuroradiology markedly contributes to this negative environmental effect, as this radiological subspecialty generates a high proportion of diagnostic and interventional imaging procedures, the majority of them requiring high energy-intensive equipment. Therefore, neuroradiologists and neuroradiological departments are especially responsible for implementing decisions and initiatives able to reduce the unfavourable environmental effects of their activities, by focusing on four strategic pillars-reducing energy, water, and helium use; properly recycling and/or disposing of waste and residues (including contrast media); encouraging environmentally friendly behaviour; and reducing the effects of ionizing radiation on the environment. The purpose of this article is to alert neuroradiologists about their environmental responsibilities and to analyse the most productive strategic axes, goals, and lines of action that contribute to reducing the environmental impact associated with their professional activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Àlex Rovira
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology (IDI), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Ana Filipa Geraldo
- Diagnostic Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Radiology, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho (CHVNG/E), Porto, Portugal
| | - Sarah Cappelle
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Anna Del Poggio
- Department of Neuroradiology and CERMAC, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples, "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Isil Saatci
- Section of Neurointervention, Neuroradiology, Private Koru Hospitals, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dora Zlatareva
- Department of Radiology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Sara Lojo
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Vigo, Spain
| | - Carlo Cosimo Quattrocchi
- Centre for Medical Sciences CISMed, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- Radiology, Multizonal Unit of Rovereto and Arco, APSS Provincia Autonoma Di Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Ángel Morales
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Tarek Yousry
- Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, UCLH National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Neuroradiological Academic Unit, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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7
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Ibrahim F, Cadour F, Campbell-Washburn AE, Allen BD, Vosshenrich J, Brown MJ, Thavendiranathan P, Hanneman K, Moy L. Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emission Savings Associated with Implementation of an Abbreviated Cardiac MRI Protocol. Radiology 2024; 311:e240588. [PMID: 38652029 PMCID: PMC11070609 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.240588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the article by Lenkinski and Rofsky in this issue. See also the article by McKee et al in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Ibrahim
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging
Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (F.I., F.C., P.T.,
K.H.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
(A.E.C.W.); Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, Ill (B.D.A.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital
Basel, Basel, Switzerland (J.V.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (M.J.B.); Division of
Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (P.T.); and Toronto General Hospital Research
Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 585 University Ave,
1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (P.T., K.H.)
| | - Farah Cadour
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging
Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (F.I., F.C., P.T.,
K.H.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
(A.E.C.W.); Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, Ill (B.D.A.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital
Basel, Basel, Switzerland (J.V.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (M.J.B.); Division of
Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (P.T.); and Toronto General Hospital Research
Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 585 University Ave,
1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (P.T., K.H.)
| | - Adrienne E. Campbell-Washburn
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging
Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (F.I., F.C., P.T.,
K.H.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
(A.E.C.W.); Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, Ill (B.D.A.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital
Basel, Basel, Switzerland (J.V.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (M.J.B.); Division of
Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (P.T.); and Toronto General Hospital Research
Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 585 University Ave,
1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (P.T., K.H.)
| | - Bradley D. Allen
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging
Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (F.I., F.C., P.T.,
K.H.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
(A.E.C.W.); Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, Ill (B.D.A.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital
Basel, Basel, Switzerland (J.V.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (M.J.B.); Division of
Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (P.T.); and Toronto General Hospital Research
Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 585 University Ave,
1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (P.T., K.H.)
| | - Jan Vosshenrich
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging
Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (F.I., F.C., P.T.,
K.H.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
(A.E.C.W.); Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, Ill (B.D.A.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital
Basel, Basel, Switzerland (J.V.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (M.J.B.); Division of
Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (P.T.); and Toronto General Hospital Research
Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 585 University Ave,
1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (P.T., K.H.)
| | - Maura J. Brown
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging
Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (F.I., F.C., P.T.,
K.H.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
(A.E.C.W.); Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, Ill (B.D.A.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital
Basel, Basel, Switzerland (J.V.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (M.J.B.); Division of
Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (P.T.); and Toronto General Hospital Research
Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 585 University Ave,
1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (P.T., K.H.)
| | - Paaladinesh Thavendiranathan
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging
Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (F.I., F.C., P.T.,
K.H.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
(A.E.C.W.); Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, Ill (B.D.A.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital
Basel, Basel, Switzerland (J.V.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (M.J.B.); Division of
Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (P.T.); and Toronto General Hospital Research
Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 585 University Ave,
1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (P.T., K.H.)
| | - Kate Hanneman
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging
Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (F.I., F.C., P.T.,
K.H.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
(A.E.C.W.); Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, Ill (B.D.A.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital
Basel, Basel, Switzerland (J.V.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (M.J.B.); Division of
Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (P.T.); and Toronto General Hospital Research
Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 585 University Ave,
1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (P.T., K.H.)
| | - Linda Moy
- From the Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging
Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (F.I., F.C., P.T.,
K.H.); Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
(A.E.C.W.); Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of
Medicine, Chicago, Ill (B.D.A.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital
Basel, Basel, Switzerland (J.V.); Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (M.J.B.); Division of
Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (P.T.); and Toronto General Hospital Research
Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 585 University Ave,
1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2N2 (P.T., K.H.)
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8
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Chodorowski M, Ognard J, Rovira À, Gentric JC, Bourhis D, Ben Salem D. Energy consumption in MRI: Determinants and management options. J Neuroradiol 2024; 51:182-189. [PMID: 38065429 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurad.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Energy consumption awareness is a known concern, and radiology departments have energy-intensive consuming machines. The means of energy consumption management in MRI scanners have yet to be evaluated. PURPOSE To measure the MRI energy consumption and to evaluate the means to reduce it. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data was retrieved for two MRI scanners through the hospital's automated energy consumption measurement software. After correlation with picture archiving and communication system (PACS) files, they were segmented by machine and mode (as follows: stand-by, idle and active) and analyzed. Active mode data for a specific brain MRI protocol have been isolated, and equivalent low energy consuming protocol was made. Both were performed on phantom and compared. Same protocol was performed on a phantom using 3.0T 16 and 32 head channels coils. Multiples sequences were acquired on phantom to evaluate power consumption. RESULTS Stand-by mode accounted for 60 % of machine time and 40 % of energy consumption, active mode accounted for 20 % machine time and 40 % energy consumption, idle mode for 20 % imachine time and 20 % consumption. DWI and TOF sequences were the most consuming in our brain-MRI protocol. The low energy consuming protocol allowed a saving of approximately 10 % of energy consumption, which amounted for 0.20€ for each examination. This difference was mainly due to an energy consumption reduction of the DWI sequence. There were no difference in consumption between a 3.0T 16 and 32 channels head coils. Sequence's active power and duration (especially considering slice thickness) have to be taken into account when trying to optimize energy consumption. CONCLUSION There are two key factors to consider when trying to reduce MRI scan energy consumption. Stand-by mode energy consumption has to be taken into account when choosing an MRI scan, as it can't be changed further on. Active mode energy consumption is dependent of the MRI protocols used, and can be reduced with sequences adaptation, which must take into account sequence's active power and duration, on top of image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Chodorowski
- Service d'Imagerie Médicale, CHU Brest, Univ. Brest, Boulevard Tanguy Prigent, Brest CEDEX, 29609, France.
| | - Julien Ognard
- Service d'Imagerie Médicale, CHU Brest, Univ. Brest, Boulevard Tanguy Prigent, Brest CEDEX, 29609, France; INSERM UMR 1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de L'Information Médicale - LaTIM, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, 22, Avenue C. Desmoulins, Brest 29238 Cedex 3, France
| | - Àlex Rovira
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jean-Christophe Gentric
- Service d'Imagerie Médicale, CHU Brest, Univ. Brest, Boulevard Tanguy Prigent, Brest CEDEX, 29609, France; Inserm, UMR 1304 (GETBO), Western Brittany Thrombosis Study Group, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - David Bourhis
- Inserm, UMR 1304 (GETBO), Western Brittany Thrombosis Study Group, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France; Service de Physique Médicale, CHU Brest, France
| | - Douraied Ben Salem
- Service d'Imagerie Médicale, CHU Brest, Univ. Brest, Boulevard Tanguy Prigent, Brest CEDEX, 29609, France; INSERM UMR 1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de L'Information Médicale - LaTIM, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, 22, Avenue C. Desmoulins, Brest 29238 Cedex 3, France
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9
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Roletto A, Zanardo M, Bonfitto GR, Catania D, Sardanelli F, Zanoni S. The environmental impact of energy consumption and carbon emissions in radiology departments: a systematic review. Eur Radiol Exp 2024; 8:35. [PMID: 38418763 PMCID: PMC10902235 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-024-00424-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Energy consumption and carbon emissions from medical equipment like CT/MRI scanners and workstations contribute to the environmental impact of healthcare facilities. The aim of this systematic review was to identify all strategies to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in radiology. METHODS In June 2023, a systematic review (Medline/Embase/Web of Science) was performed to search original articles on environmental sustainability in radiology. The extracted data include environmental sustainability topics (e.g., energy consumption, carbon footprint) and radiological devices involved. Sustainable actions and environmental impact in radiology settings were analyzed. Study quality was assessed using the QualSyst tool. RESULTS From 918 retrieved articles, 16 met the inclusion criteria. Among them, main topics were energy consumption (10/16, 62.5%), life-cycle assessment (4/16, 25.0%), and carbon footprint (2/16, 12.5%). Eleven studies reported that 40-91% of the energy consumed by radiological devices can be defined as "nonproductive" (devices "on" but not working). Turning-off devices during idle periods 9/16 (56.2%) and implementing workflow informatic tools (2/16, 12.5%) were the sustainable actions identified. Energy-saving strategies were reported in 8/16 articles (50%), estimating annual savings of thousand kilowatt-hours (14,180-171,000 kWh). Cost-savings were identified in 7/16 (43.7%) articles, ranging from US $9,225 to 14,328 per device. Study quality was over or equal the 80% of high-quality level in 14/16 (87.5%) articles. CONCLUSION Energy consumption and environmental sustainability in radiology received attention in literature. Sustainable actions include turning-off radiological devices during idle periods, favoring the most energy-efficient imaging devices, and educating radiological staff on energy-saving practices, without compromising service quality. RELEVANCE STATEMENT A non-negligible number of articles - mainly coming from North America and Europe - highlighted the need for energy-saving strategies, attention to equipment life-cycle assessment, and carbon footprint reduction in radiology, with a potential for cost-saving outcome. KEY POINTS • Energy consumption and environmental sustainability in radiology received attention in the literature (16 articles published from 2010 to 2023). • A substantial portion (40-91%) of the energy consumed by radiological devices was classified as "non-productive" (devices "on" but not working). • Sustainable action such as shutting down devices during idle periods was identified, with potential annual energy savings ranging from 14,180 to 171,000 kWh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Roletto
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Moreno Zanardo
- Radiology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Roberto Bonfitto
- Department of Information Engineering, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Via Branze 38, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Diego Catania
- Health Professions Leadership and Management Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Sardanelli
- Radiology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Zanoni
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123, Brescia, Italy
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10
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Doo FX, Vosshenrich J, Cook TS, Moy L, Almeida EP, Woolen SA, Gichoya JW, Heye T, Hanneman K. Environmental Sustainability and AI in Radiology: A Double-Edged Sword. Radiology 2024; 310:e232030. [PMID: 38411520 PMCID: PMC10902597 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.232030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. The global health care system, including medical imaging, must manage the health effects of climate change while at the same time addressing the large amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated in the delivery of care. Data centers and computational efforts are increasingly large contributors to GHG emissions in radiology. This is due to the explosive increase in big data and artificial intelligence (AI) applications that have resulted in large energy requirements for developing and deploying AI models. However, AI also has the potential to improve environmental sustainability in medical imaging. For example, use of AI can shorten MRI scan times with accelerated acquisition times, improve the scheduling efficiency of scanners, and optimize the use of decision-support tools to reduce low-value imaging. The purpose of this Radiology in Focus article is to discuss this duality at the intersection of environmental sustainability and AI in radiology. Further discussed are strategies and opportunities to decrease AI-related emissions and to leverage AI to improve sustainability in radiology, with a focus on health equity. Co-benefits of these strategies are explored, including lower cost and improved patient outcomes. Finally, knowledge gaps and areas for future research are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence X. Doo
- From the University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii)
Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland,
Baltimore, MD (F.X.D.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel,
Basel, Switzerland (J.V., T.H.); Department of Radiology, New York University,
New York, NY (J.V., L.M.); Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine
at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (T.S.C.); Joint Department
of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(E.P.R.P.A., K.H.); Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University
of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (S.A.W.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (J.W.G.); Toronto
General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, 585 University Ave, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Cananda M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and
Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Jan Vosshenrich
- From the University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii)
Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland,
Baltimore, MD (F.X.D.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel,
Basel, Switzerland (J.V., T.H.); Department of Radiology, New York University,
New York, NY (J.V., L.M.); Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine
at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (T.S.C.); Joint Department
of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(E.P.R.P.A., K.H.); Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University
of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (S.A.W.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (J.W.G.); Toronto
General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, 585 University Ave, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Cananda M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and
Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Tessa S. Cook
- From the University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii)
Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland,
Baltimore, MD (F.X.D.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel,
Basel, Switzerland (J.V., T.H.); Department of Radiology, New York University,
New York, NY (J.V., L.M.); Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine
at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (T.S.C.); Joint Department
of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(E.P.R.P.A., K.H.); Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University
of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (S.A.W.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (J.W.G.); Toronto
General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, 585 University Ave, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Cananda M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and
Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Linda Moy
- From the University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii)
Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland,
Baltimore, MD (F.X.D.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel,
Basel, Switzerland (J.V., T.H.); Department of Radiology, New York University,
New York, NY (J.V., L.M.); Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine
at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (T.S.C.); Joint Department
of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(E.P.R.P.A., K.H.); Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University
of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (S.A.W.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (J.W.G.); Toronto
General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, 585 University Ave, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Cananda M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and
Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Eduardo P.R.P. Almeida
- From the University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii)
Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland,
Baltimore, MD (F.X.D.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel,
Basel, Switzerland (J.V., T.H.); Department of Radiology, New York University,
New York, NY (J.V., L.M.); Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine
at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (T.S.C.); Joint Department
of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(E.P.R.P.A., K.H.); Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University
of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (S.A.W.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (J.W.G.); Toronto
General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, 585 University Ave, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Cananda M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and
Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Sean A. Woolen
- From the University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii)
Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland,
Baltimore, MD (F.X.D.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel,
Basel, Switzerland (J.V., T.H.); Department of Radiology, New York University,
New York, NY (J.V., L.M.); Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine
at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (T.S.C.); Joint Department
of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(E.P.R.P.A., K.H.); Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University
of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (S.A.W.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (J.W.G.); Toronto
General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, 585 University Ave, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Cananda M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and
Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Judy Wawira Gichoya
- From the University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii)
Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland,
Baltimore, MD (F.X.D.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel,
Basel, Switzerland (J.V., T.H.); Department of Radiology, New York University,
New York, NY (J.V., L.M.); Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine
at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (T.S.C.); Joint Department
of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(E.P.R.P.A., K.H.); Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University
of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (S.A.W.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (J.W.G.); Toronto
General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, 585 University Ave, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Cananda M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and
Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Tobias Heye
- From the University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii)
Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland,
Baltimore, MD (F.X.D.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel,
Basel, Switzerland (J.V., T.H.); Department of Radiology, New York University,
New York, NY (J.V., L.M.); Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine
at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (T.S.C.); Joint Department
of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(E.P.R.P.A., K.H.); Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University
of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (S.A.W.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (J.W.G.); Toronto
General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, 585 University Ave, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Cananda M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and
Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.)
| | - Kate Hanneman
- From the University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii)
Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland,
Baltimore, MD (F.X.D.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel,
Basel, Switzerland (J.V., T.H.); Department of Radiology, New York University,
New York, NY (J.V., L.M.); Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine
at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa (T.S.C.); Joint Department
of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(E.P.R.P.A., K.H.); Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University
of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif (S.A.W.); Department of
Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga (J.W.G.); Toronto
General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of
Toronto, 585 University Ave, 1 PMB-298, Toronto, ON, Cananda M5G 2N2 (K.H.); and
Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.H.)
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Truhn D, Müller-Franzes G, Kather JN. The ecological footprint of medical AI. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:1176-1178. [PMID: 37580599 PMCID: PMC10853292 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10123-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Truhn
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Gustav Müller-Franzes
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jakob Nikolas Kather
- Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Mariampillai J, Rockall A, Manuellian C, Cartwright S, Taylor S, Deng M, Sheard S. The green and sustainable radiology department. RADIOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 63:21-26. [PMID: 37721584 PMCID: PMC10689521 DOI: 10.1007/s00117-023-01189-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
As manmade climate change threatens the health of the planet, it is important that we understand and address the contribution of healthcare to global emissions. Medical imaging is a significant contributor to overall emissions. This article aims to highlight key issues and examples of sustainable practices, in order to empower radiologists to make a change within their department.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Rockall
- Clinical Chair of Radiology, Department of Cancer and Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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13
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Merkle EM, Bamberg F, Vosshenrich J. The Impact of Modern Imaging Techniques on Carbon Footprints: Relevance and Outlook. Eur Urol Focus 2023; 9:891-893. [PMID: 37758613 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that the health care sector accounts for 4.0-8.5% of total global CO2 emissions, with medical imaging representing an energy-intensive contributor. We outline the carbon footprint of the imaging modalities most relevant to urology and list practical recommendations that can have a positive impact on sustainability. PATIENT SUMMARY: Energy use for medical imaging scans is a significant contributor to carbon emissions by the health care sector. Steps to improve sustainability can include choosing the least energy-intensive option among the scan types suitable for each patient and condition, and switching off equipment when it is not in use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmar M Merkle
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Fabian Bamberg
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jan Vosshenrich
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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14
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Anudjo MNK, Vitale C, Elshami W, Hancock A, Adeleke S, Franklin JM, Akudjedu TN. Considerations for environmental sustainability in clinical radiology and radiotherapy practice: A systematic literature review and recommendations for a greener practice. Radiography (Lond) 2023; 29:1077-1092. [PMID: 37757675 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Environmental sustainability (ES) in healthcare is an important current challenge in the wider context of reducing the environmental impacts of human activity. Identifying key routes to making clinical radiology and radiotherapy (CRR) practice more environmentally sustainable will provide a framework for delivering greener clinical services. This study sought to explore and integrate current evidence regarding ES in CRR departments, to provide a comprehensive guide for greener practice, education, and research. METHODS A systematic literature search and review of studies of diverse evidence including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach was completed across six databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD) was used to assess the included studies. A result-based convergent data synthesis approach was employed to integrate the study findings. RESULTS A total of 162 articles were identified. After applying a predefined exclusion criterion, fourteen articles were eligible. Three themes emerged as potentially important areas of CRR practice that contribute to environmental footprint: energy consumption and data storage practices; usage of clinical consumables and waste management practices; and CRR activities related to staff and patient travel. CONCLUSIONS Key components of CRR practice that influence environmental impact were identified, which could serve as a framework for exploring greener practice interventions. Widening the scope of research, education and awareness is imperative to providing a holistic appreciation of the environmental burden of healthcare. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Encouraging eco-friendly travelling options, leveraging artificial Intelligence (AI) and CRR specific policies to optimise utilisation of resources such as energy and radiopharmaceuticals are recommended for a greener practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N K Anudjo
- Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK
| | - C Vitale
- Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK; IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - W Elshami
- Department of Medical Diagnostic Imaging, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - A Hancock
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - S Adeleke
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; High Dimensional Neurology, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - J M Franklin
- Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK
| | - T N Akudjedu
- Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK.
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