Environmentally sustainable health and social care: Scoping review and implications for the English NHS:

ObjectivesTo review the evidence on environmental sustainability in health and social care, describe what the implications of sustainability might be for service models and policy, and explore the connection between environmental and financial sustainability.MethodsLiterature review of 78 published articles and qualitative analysis of 28 semi-structured interviews.ResultsProvision of health and social care has a substantial impact on the environment, and opportunities exist at a number of levels to deliver services in a more sustainable way. While there is some scope to improve efficiency at the operational level, significant improvements in sustainability may require a more fundamental transformation in service models, for example, with a stronger emphasis on prevention. The current policy framework in England is perceived to create a number of barriers that discourage professionals from redesigning services in ways which could promote both environmental and financial sustainability.ConclusionsIncreasing...