Our care pathway assessment framework
Framework
Our care pathway assessment framework brings together a method, guidance and carbon calculator to measure the environmental impact of care pathways, both existing and new, in a consistent way. The results help decision-makers choose more sustainable ways to deliver care.
The framework currently measures greenhouse gas emissions, water use and waste. It’s based on internationally recognised standards, including ISO 14040 and 14044 for life cycle assessment and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s Product Standard and sector guidance for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Emission factors
The patient care pathway carbon calculator and its modules draw on data covering the full lifecycle of care, from manufacturing consumables, equipment and medical gases to energy, travel, waste and water. First gathered in 2015, the data is being updated through our PCP Consortium, starting with the surgical procedure module in December 2023.
As this is a developing area of research, the data comes from a range of studies and healthcare systems worldwide. You can find full details of sources and limitations in the environmental impact table and guidance documents.
Method
The method outlines how to appraise models of care, allowing users to understand the environmental impacts of new or existing care pathways and ultimately to improve the sustainability of health systems. By applying the method, you’ll gain a greater understanding of the environmental impacts of health services, including both direct impacts and those expressed across the whole care pathway.
The method document should be used alongside the supporting guidance.
Guidance
There are several guidance documents to assist with the appraisal process. This includes a Summary overview for high-level appraisal, a comprehensive main document for detailed module analysis, plus individual module guidance documents. In addition, these documents provide:
- useful definitions
- support to identify where to source relevant data from
- specific pathway appraisal information
The guidance is currently focused on a limited number of care pathway modules and environmental metrics. There is work underway to include further modules and sustainability metrics (social and environmental), as part of our work with the PCP Consortium.
Carbon calculator
The patient care pathways carbon calculator is a simple, entry-level tool that lets anyone assess a care pathway and estimate its environmental impact. It uses pre-built modules based on common healthcare activities, so you don’t need specialist data or expertise to get a high-level estimate. It’s best suited to quick, indicative assessments – for a more detailed or rigorous analysis, other tools aligned with our method are available.
Emissions database
The emissions database is an open-access repository of emission factors for care pathway activities. Sources are provided at the highest level of detail possible, so you can see exactly where each figure comes from and how it was calculated. Where underlying data is proprietary and cannot be published in full, we provide as much detail as possible, alongside a description of the source.
Next steps
Once you’ve assessed your care pathway, it’s time to take action. Explore practical ways to decarbonise it, or join our Community of Practice to learn from peers facing similar challenges.
