Aims

To support healthcare professionals to deliver and measure low carbon care ;

• To develop and implement a methodological framework to support carbon frugal care pathways 
• Pilot and refine the framework across at least 3–4 contrasting care pathways 
• Design and test an open-access carbon footprinting tool  
• Classify pathway types (local vs national; high vs low carbon intensity) to test transferability 
• Identify policy and system-level enablers and barriers, and develop recommendations 
• Disseminate outputs via toolkits, publications, and policy briefs 

Methods

Theme 5 adopts an applied action-research approach, grounded in CFIR / MRC guidance on complex interventions. Each pathway initiative will involve: 

• Mapping current pathway processes and carbon hotspots 

• Engaging clinical teams and patients to identify feasible low-carbon changes 

• Modelling impacts (clinical, environmental, operational) 

• Supporting implementation of changes 

• Evaluating context, process, and outcomes to refine the methodological framework 

An accompanying evaluation framework will ensure consistency, with metrics including adoption, CO₂e savings, clinical feasibility, and stakeholder satisfaction.