On both sides of the border, there is growing awareness of the need for a more sustainable approach to healthcare. The ELFI project aims to reduce environmental impact by adding information on the environmental footprint of treatments to existing decision aids. Until now, these online tools have only presented the effectiveness and the risk of complications. Decision aids generally promote informed and equitable decision-making between patients and healthcare providers. They enhance the knowledge and self-efficacy of individuals, in ELFI specifically with regard to the environmental impact of medical treatments. Through ELFI, professionals are educated about the relative environmental burden and can advocate for less impactful alternatives. Hotspots, such as energy consumption and waste production, are identified in ELFI and directly addressed. Inspired by cross-border collaboration within the broad consortium, a strategy is developed to monitor and reduce environmental impact. A checklist for healthcare institutions will support implementation.
The focus is on three common, non-life-threatening conditions for which multiple treatment options are available according to guidelines (e.g., lifestyle adjustments, medication, physiotherapy, and surgery). These options are systematically described in ELFI, and the environmental impact is determined using life cycle assessment (LCA). The most effective presentation format is chosen. The ELFI project is ambitious, comprehensive, and fosters cross-border and sustainable collaboration. It goes beyond individual medical disciplines. Many associated partners are actively involved, ensuring acceptance and better implementation of the results. ELFI addresses the priority of a connected border region, making healthcare systems more sustainable and strengthening the resilience of people and care systems.
