ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Urgent global action is required to combat climate change, with radiographers poised to play a significant role in reducing healthcare's environmental impact. This paper explores radiography-related activities and factors in resource-limited departments contributing to the carbon footprint and proposes strategies for mitigation. The rationale is to discuss the literature regarding these contributing factors and to raise awareness about how to promote sustainability activities in clinical radiography practice and education in resource-limited countries. KEY FINDINGS: The radiography-related activities and factors contributing to the carbon footprint in resource-limited countries include the use of old equipment and energy inefficiency, insufficient clean energy to power equipment, long-distance commuting for radiological examinations, high film usage and waste, inadequate training and research on sustainable practices, as well as limited policies to drive support for sustainability. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, financial assistance and partnerships are needed to adopt eco-friendly technologies and clean energy sources to power equipment, thus tackling issues related to old equipment and energy inefficiency. Transitioning to digital radiography can mitigate the environmental impact of high film usage and waste, while collaboration between governments, healthcare organisations, and international stakeholders can improve access to radiological services, reducing long-distance commuting. Additionally, promoting education programmes and research efforts in sustainability will empower radiographers with the knowledge to practice sustainably, complemented by clear policies such as green imaging practices to guide and incentivise the adoption of sustainable practices. These integrated solutions can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of radiography activities in resource-limited settings while enhancing healthcare delivery. CONCLUSION: Radiography-related activities and factors in resource-limited departments contributing to the carbon footprint are multifaceted but can be addressed through concerted efforts. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Addressing the challenges posed by old equipment, energy inefficiency, high film usage, and inadequate training through collaborative efforts and robust policy implementation is essential for promoting sustainable radiography practices in resource-limited countries. Radiographers in these countries need to be aware of these factors contributing to the carbon footprint and begin to work with the relevant stakeholders to mitigate them. Furthermore, there is a need for them to engage in education programmes and research efforts in sustainability to empower them with the right knowledge and understanding to practice sustainably.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: To equip radiographers to tackle the negative impacts of climate change, it is crucial to offer in-depth education on planetary health and sustainability. This study aimed to use a tertiary institution in Zimbabwe as a case study to assess radiography students' views on the integration of sustainability into their curriculum. METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study using a questionnaire took place at a tertiary institution in Harare, Zimbabwe, where students were sampled consecutively. Categorical variables were described using frequencies and percentages. Data analysis was carried out using Stata 13.1. RESULTS: A total of 96 out of 111 students participated, with an 86% response rate. The majority of students believed in the importance of environmentally friendly radiography practices (90.62%) and felt that sustainability is crucial for better patient care. While sustainability teaching was acknowledged in the curriculum, many students were not confident about the topic in exams. There was no consensus on the preferred methods of teaching sustainability. University lecturers specializing in climate-related fields were seen as the most suitable teachers for sustainability education. CONCLUSIONS: The curriculum reflects efforts in sustainability education, but student confidence and awareness of climate-focused research units require improvement. Continuous education is crucial to link sustainability awareness with practical implications in radiography. Future studies should investigate tailored teaching methods to engage students effectively in sustainable radiography practices. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings highlight the importance of ongoing education and awareness campaigns to address the disconnect between understanding the importance of sustainability and implementing it effectively in radiography practice.
