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INTRODUCTION: The healthcare sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 8 % of annual French emissions. Eco-design in healthcare, which provides care with equal quality, safety, and relevance but with a lower environmental impact, is therefore a crucial lever for sustainable medical practice. This article explores the application of eco-design in anatomical and cytopathological practices (ACP) in France, in response to the country's decarbonization goals. OBJECTIVES: After demonstrating that decarbonization is possible through the chosen eco-design of care and practices in ACP, we describe the barriers to these changes and the potential real-world solutions. DISCUSSION: We examine the challenges and solutions for integrating eco-design principles into daily ACP practice, highlighting the importance of the relevance of medical procedures to reduce unnecessary practices. We discuss the technical and human barriers in ACP, as well as the solutions: raising awareness among laboratory personnel, industrial stakeholders, research and innovation, the involvement of scientific societies, and initiatives from the collective for Ecological Transformation in ACP (TEAP). Finally, we propose financial incentives to make eco-friendly practices economically viable in ACP. CONCLUSION: Eco-design in ACP practices is essential to address the climate challenge and ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system.
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Cambio Climático , Francia , Humanos , Patología , Gases de Efecto Invernadero/análisisRESUMEN
In surgical pathology departments, reflex first-line techniques (RFLTs) are aimed at reducing workloads and addressing recent shortages of medical personnel. However, the impacts thereof on economic and diagnostic factors have been poorly addressed. Also, in the era of global warming, environmental considerations are crucial. This study assessed the economic and diagnostic efficacies of routine pathological RFLT and the quality of care and sustainability. Ten RFLTs of the Bordeaux University Hospital pathology department (six special stains, one cytology technique, and three immunohistochemical tests) were studied. First, a retrospective economic analysis evaluated the average cost of these RFLTs per slide and per year. Second, diagnostic relevance was prospectively surveyed. Third, the effects of changes made were analyzed over 2 years. The ten RFLTs were associated with average annual costs of 46,708. Diagnostic relevance analysis indicated that most stains were unnecessary; only 17% were requested as second-line techniques. Elimination of 7/10 tests afforded annual cost savings of 22,522 and reduced the workload by 5568 tests/year, without compromising the workflow or diagnostic quality. Seven of ten RFLTs could be eliminated without compromising diagnostic quality or the workflow. This afforded not only financial benefits but also positive social and environmental impacts. We offer valuable insights into appropriate practices in surgical pathology laboratories. Collaboration between the medical and technical teams was crucial; other healthcare sectors would also benefit from our approach.
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Health and medico-social establishments have every interest in embarking on corporate social responsibility for establishments: decarbonisation, compliance with regulations, attractiveness strategy, links with territorial partners, economic interest, etc. To support them, the Fédération hospitalière de France has put forward proposals to the presidential candidates, which are intended to be supported throughout Emmanuel Macron's new five-year term.