Exploring the Role of Digital Health Technologies in Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Health and Care Systems: A Scoping Review Protocol

Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions significantly contribute to climate change, and the healthcare sector is a notable source. Digital Health Technologies (DHTs) present unique opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare systems. This scoping review aims to explore the potential of DHTs to reduce carbon emissions, examine methods used to assess their environmental impact, and analyse software engineering practices for sustainability. We will use the scoping review method by Levac and Colquhoun 2010. A preliminary search of Embase, Web of Science and Medline from 1998 to 2024 yielded 7600 results. The review's findings will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, guiding the design and implementation of DHTs to reduce the carbon footprint of health and care systems.

Keywords: Carbon footprint; DHTs; Greenhouse gas; Sustainability.