Appropriateness of Care

Summary  / Key takeaways

Appropriate care helps patients receive the right tests, treatments, and procedures while reducing unnecessary environmental impacts. Medications, tests, and procedures all consume energy, water, and materials throughout their lifecycle, from production to disposal. Avoiding unnecessary care can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and resource use across the health system. Laboratories and medical procedures often rely on energy-intensive equipment and single-use supplies, while patient travel also contributes to emissions. Unnecessary testing may lead to false positives and additional interventions. By supporting evidence-based, appropriate care, health systems can improve patient outcomes, reduce waste, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.