BT12: The environmental impact of teledermatology in the COVID-19 pandemic: a silver lining

G. O’Connell,¹ C. O’Connor^1,2 and M. Murphy^1,2

¹South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital and ²University College Cork, Cork, Ireland

COVID-19 has transformed the delivery of healthcare globally, with successful adoption and implementation of teledermatology. We performed a retrospective study to assess the environmental benefits of our transition from face-to-face appointments to teledermatology during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Data relating to teledermatology appointments were collected for the period of national lockdown from 27 March to 29 June 2020. Patient addresses were recorded anonymously. The distance (in miles) from the patient’s home to the hospital and the estimated duration of the journey (min) were calculated with mapping software (Google Maps). Distances were rounded to the nearest mile. The reduction in CO₂ emissions for the journey was calculated using an algorithm provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx). Fuel consumption was based on an average car running on unknown fuel. In total, 1476 teledermatology appointments (telephone or video) were held during this 3-month period. There were 55 737 miles of travel saved as a result of the implementation of teledermatology – an average of 37·8 miles per patient per return trip. This correlated to a CO₂ saving of 20·5 metric tonnes over that period of lockdown, equivalent to 10 transatlantic flights (https://www.atmosfair.de/en/offset/flight/). The average time saving was 62 min per round trip. This study highlights a significant reduction in carbon emissions secondary to the wholesale adoption of teledermatology during the period of national lockdown. As dermatology departments begin to return to normal following the introduction of COVID-19 vaccinations, the environmental benefits of teledermatology should be factored into service redesign.