Environmental Impact of Digital Remote Care Versus Standard Care for CML Patients
Author(s)
Sanne J. Metsemakers, MSc1, Rosella P. Hermens, Prof. Dr.2, Yolba Smit, MSc3, Geneviève I. Ector, Dr.3, Charlotte L. Bekker, Dr.*4, Nicole M. Blijlevens, Prof. Dr.*3;
1Radboud University Medical Center, PhD Candidate, Nijmegen, Netherlands, 2Radboud University Medical Center, Department of IQ Health, Nijmegen, Netherlands, 3Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Hematology, Nijmegen, Netherlands, 4Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Pharmacy, Nijmegen, Netherlands
1Radboud University Medical Center, PhD Candidate, Nijmegen, Netherlands, 2Radboud University Medical Center, Department of IQ Health, Nijmegen, Netherlands, 3Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Hematology, Nijmegen, Netherlands, 4Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Pharmacy, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a serious yet manageable condition thanks to daily oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), enabling patients to achieve a normal life expectancy. However, as a lifelong condition, CML necessitates continuous, accessible, and high-quality care. Recognizing this need, our hospital launched a regional initiative offering digital remote care for CML patients. This innovative approach provides hospital-free care through video consultations and local BCR::ABL1 blood collection, enabling patients to be monitored and tested close to home rather than during outpatient visits with at least equal quality of care. This study aims to assess the environmental impact of digital care compared to standard care, alongside its impact on patients' BCR::ABL1 as a clinical outcome measure.
METHODS: Data on resource use, transport logistics, materials, and other sustainability factors were collected. Multiple scenarios for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) were conducted to evaluate sustainability using data from literature and the EcoInvent database, via SimaPro software. This is a database of Life Cycle Inventory data used for LCAs. BCR::ABL1 values were collected and compared as clinical outcomes between patients using digital CML care and those receiving standard care.
RESULTS: Preliminary Results: LCA indicates that digital CML care reduces ecosystem damage by 85.4% with a total decrease in resource use of 85.6% when comparing all patients using in-person care versus all patients using digital care. Additionally, BCR::ABL1 disease values remain comparable between the digital care group and the standard care group. More comprehensive findings and more scenarios will be shared during the conference.
CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results indicate that remote digital CML care is both safe, as BCR::ABL1 values remain comparable to standard care, and more sustainable. Digital CML care minimizes environmental impact by reducing travel and resource consumption, promoting sustainability, while also enhancing healthcare system efficiency for long-term management of chronic conditions.
METHODS: Data on resource use, transport logistics, materials, and other sustainability factors were collected. Multiple scenarios for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) were conducted to evaluate sustainability using data from literature and the EcoInvent database, via SimaPro software. This is a database of Life Cycle Inventory data used for LCAs. BCR::ABL1 values were collected and compared as clinical outcomes between patients using digital CML care and those receiving standard care.
RESULTS: Preliminary Results: LCA indicates that digital CML care reduces ecosystem damage by 85.4% with a total decrease in resource use of 85.6% when comparing all patients using in-person care versus all patients using digital care. Additionally, BCR::ABL1 disease values remain comparable between the digital care group and the standard care group. More comprehensive findings and more scenarios will be shared during the conference.
CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results indicate that remote digital CML care is both safe, as BCR::ABL1 values remain comparable to standard care, and more sustainable. Digital CML care minimizes environmental impact by reducing travel and resource consumption, promoting sustainability, while also enhancing healthcare system efficiency for long-term management of chronic conditions.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
HSD66
Topic
Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Disease
SDC: Oncology