MTP4.12 Patient Perceptions of Sustainability in Elective Surgery: A Qualitative Study

Introduction The ‘Net Zero NHS’ 2045 target is driving a concerted effort nationwide to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare. For sustainability strategies to be successful, their development must factor in the ‘people’ facet of the triple bottom line and be inclusive of patients and healthcare professionals. We report the preliminary results of a study exploring the perceptions of sustainability in healthcare for those undergoing day-case surgery. Methods This qualitative phenomenological study purposefully sampled adult patients following treatment at an NHS Elective Surgical Hub. An interview guide was developed using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results Four major themes emerged from 11 patient interviews:Understanding sustainability in healthcare: Patients were unclear about the role of sustainability in healthcare but expressed an interest to know more.Perceptions about introducing sustainability in healthcare: Sustainability is considered an important issue, but overwhelmingly did not see it as the NHS’s responsibility. In the healthcare setting, clinical outcomes were paramount.Barriers to change: Patients reflected on personal barriers, including cost, time & convenience, the impact on their own health and new technologies and equal access to this technology.Decision-making: Patients questioned the ethics of making decisions about their own healthcare. Conclusion Whilst patients understand the need to protect the environment, the majority reject changes to healthcare provision for sustainability reasons. Patients felt uninformed about NHS sustainability efforts, but had a desire to learn how the NHS is measuring and reducing its carbon footprint.