Greener respiratory healthcare puts patients at the heart of the system

Holistic care that puts patients at the heart of systems and decision-making processes so that they are more likely to adhere to appointments, self-care and prescribed medicines is key to achieving greener respiratory healthcare. This was a clear consensus between participants in the Greener Respiratory Healthcare Initiative meeting held this summer. Achieving the right diagnosis was identified as key to ensuring patients get the right treatment to control their conditions and ultimately reduce waste both in terms of inappropriately prescribed medicines and healthcare contacts as patients struggle to live with a poorly controlled condition.

The meeting, attended by GPs, nurses, pharmacists, patients and patient organisations, academics, NHS commissioners and Public Health England, is part of the PCRS Greener Respiratory Healthcare Initiative through which we aim to support all those involved in commissioning and delivering respiratory healthcare to minimise the associated environmental impact without compromising quality of care. In keeping with the spirit of environmental protection, and in view of the Covid-19 situation, the meeting was held online over 2 days and featured plenary presentations, lively discussion sessions and sharing of experiences and best practice, much of which has been gained over the last few months.

A PCRS white paper is in preparation which will include not only an analysis of our current situation but personal experience, guidance, suggestions and protocols to help us all move forward towards a greener respiratory healthcare service that keeps the patient and their needs and preferences firmly at the heart of everything we do.

View PCRS position statement on Environmental Issues