Background: Healthcare sector has a significant impact on the environment and people well-being. Therefore, it is interesting to understand how healthcare contributes to sustainable development. Objective: The study aims to perform a literature review on the methodologies applied to quantify environmental impact in healthcare with an attention to telemedicine activities. Methods: Scopus and PubMed databases were investigated between 2018 and 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) frameworks was followed for article selection. Results: From initial 183 articles, 50 full-studies were included. Life-cycle assessment method proved to be a standard for assessing the impact of devices used in clinical practice. Indeed, for the investigation of care activities a unique methodology was not defined. The assessment of telemedicine is mainly based on avoided travels, and a standard methodology is still missing. Conclusions: To move toward a sustainable development other aspects of sustainability should be investigated.
Background The emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic has led to greater use of home telemonitoring devices. The aim of this study was to assess the usability of continuous home-monitoring care with an oxygen saturation device on post-COVID-19 patients. Method The system consists of a digital continuous pulse oximeter and a smartphone with an App, which were provided to patients. A survey composed of a standard Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire, and a satisfaction questionnaire was exploited to conduct a usability and feasibility analysis of the service. Results A total of 29 patients (17.2% female) with a mean age of 65 ± 11.5 years were enrolled: 20 patients were smartphone users (69%) with a mean age of 60.2 ± 9.5 years, and 9 patients (31%) did not own a smartphone (mean age 76.8 ± 5.9). The monitoring period was 1 month: a total of 444 recordings were conducted, 15 recordings per patient averagely. In total, 82% of the recordings performed did not require any intervention, while 18% led to the production of a report and subsequent intervention by a nurse who verified, together with the specialist, the need to intervene (i.e. the patient accessed the clinic for medical control and/or modification of oxygen therapy). A total of 17 patients compiled a usability questionnaire. The service was perceived as useful and well-structured, although it often required caregiver support. Conclusions Using continuous home-monitoring care with an oxygen saturation device seems feasible and useful for patients who could be followed at home avoiding going back to the hospital every time a trend oximetry is needed. Further improvements in connections, data flow processes, and simplifications, based on patients’ feedback, are needed to scale up the service.
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