Track: Simulation Competition

Abstract

Healthcare services are one of the factors that contribute to global carbon emissions. The global healthcare system accounts for approximately 4–5% of the world's total carbon emissions. Telemedicine is a method to reduce the need for physical access to healthcare. It not only improves the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services but is also recognized as an effective way to reduce carbon emissions from patient commuting. Previous studies have focused on patient transportation patterns. This study utilized a system simulation technique to evaluate the impact of telemedicine on the carbon footprint of patient visits. Firstly, outpatient data of the hospital were collected and organized, covering specific data such as the registration process, daily number of patients, number of emergencies, number of surgeries, etc. in each department, and carbon footprint statistics and calculations were performed on these data. The study designed two scenarios for simulation and analysis. The results of a simulation of telemedicine in a hospital in Taichung City showed a reduction in carbon emissions from patients' physical visits to the medical institution, which in turn reduced the hospital's energy consumption and resource requirements. The results show that the total carbon footprint of hospital patients is 1,512.6 tCO2e per year and 1,225.7 tCO2e under the current telemedicine adoption rate of 20%. As the proportion of telemedicine increases in the future, its impact on carbon emissions will increase. Healthcare services are one of the factors that contribute to global carbon emissions. The global healthcare system accounts for approximately 4–5% of the world's total carbon emissions. Telemedicine is a method to reduce the need for physical access to healthcare. It not only improves the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services but is also recognized as an effective way to reduce carbon emissions from patient commuting. Previous studies have focused on patient transportation patterns. This study utilized a system simulation technique to evaluate the impact of telemedicine on the carbon footprint of patient visits. Firstly, outpatient data of the hospital were collected and organized, covering specific data such as the registration process, daily number of patients, number of emergencies, number of surgeries, etc. in each department, and carbon footprint statistics and calculations were performed on these data. The study designed two scenarios for simulation and analysis. The results of a simulation of telemedicine in a hospital in Taichung City showed a reduction in carbon emissions from patients' physical visits to the medical institution, which in turn reduced the hospital's energy consumption and resource requirements. The results show that the total carbon footprint of hospital patients is 1,512.6 tCO2e per year and 1,225.7 tCO2e under the current telemedicine adoption rate of 20%. As the proportion of telemedicine increases in the future, its impact on carbon emissions will increase.