Asset Details
Do you wish to reserve the book?
8046 Estimating the environmental cost of rotational training in paediatrics: is it worth it?
Hey, we have placed the reservation for you!
By the way, why not check out events that you can attend while you pick your title.
Oops! Something went wrong.
Looks like we were not able to place the reservation. Kindly try again later.
Are you sure you want to remove the book from the shelf?
8046 Estimating the environmental cost of rotational training in paediatrics: is it worth it?
Do you wish to request the book?
8046 Estimating the environmental cost of rotational training in paediatrics: is it worth it?
Please be aware that the book you have requested cannot be checked out. If you would like to checkout this book, you can reserve another copy
We have requested the book for you!
Your request is successful and it will be processed during the Library working hours. Please check the status of your request in My Requests.
Oops! Something went wrong.
Looks like we were not able to place your request. Kindly try again later.
Journal Article
8046 Estimating the environmental cost of rotational training in paediatrics: is it worth it?
2025
Overview
Why did you do this work?The climate crisis is a global emergency that disproportionately affects children and young people. The RCPCH’s climate change action plan calls on paediatricians to be role models in mitigating climate change personally and professionally.1 Road transport is the largest contributor to UK CO2 emissions, with average car commuters (33km round-trip) directly emitting 1.1 metric tonnes of CO2 annually (MTCO2e).2 3 Understanding the environmental cost of commuting for paediatric training is crucial for exploring mitigation strategies. Given that rotational training placements are often outside trainees’ control and assigned on short notice—making green commuting options like carpooling challenging—this study aimed to estimate the CO2 emissions associated with commuting for paediatric rotational training in the East of England (EoE).What did you do?An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to all EoE paediatric trainees in June 2024, with reminders given at regional study days. The survey collected data on commuting modality currently and to furthest rotational placement, home outcodes, LTFT status, and concern for environment and ranked factors influencing commuting choices. Commute distances were calculated using RStudio’s ‘gmapsdistance’ package, and CO2 emissions were derived from UK government data.4 5 Annual emissions were based on 20 round trips per month, adjusted for full-time equivalent (FTE) status over 12 months. Total emissions for all trainees were calculated as a sum of mean emissions per trainee stratified by number of trainees per level of training.What did you find?Of 225 EoE Paediatric trainees, 34% (n=77) responded. Individual car use, mostly fossil-fuelled, is the dominant mode of commuting among trainees. Despite concerns about environmental impact, commute choices were primarily influenced by time, caring responsibilities, and cost and least by environmental concerns. The mean daily round-trip commute to current placements was 84.7km (UK average: 33km), and to furthest placements 141km. Annually, trainees averaged 8,968km commuting to current placements, equivalent to 1.94MTCO2e, and 14,641km to their furthest placements, equivalent to 3.4MTCO2e. Extrapolating these figures to all EoE paediatric trainees estimates 435.8MTCO2e attributable to paediatric training annually.What does it mean?Paediatric rotational training generates significant CO2 emissions, primarily from car commuting. Trainees are concerned about the environmental impact, but cost, time, and caring responsibilities primarily influence their commute choices. As paediatricians, we must reflect on the necessity of frequent rotations and their environmental impact. The RCPCH should consider strategies to alleviate this and lead by example: promoting remote training opportunities, improved longitudinal rota design and facilitating or incentivising green transport options including transition to electric vehicles. These initiatives would reflect the College’s commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and trainee wellbeing.ReferencesThe impact of climate change on global child health – position statement RCPCH. Available from: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/impact-climate-change-global-child-health-position-statement#key-messages-for-health-professionalsOffice for National Statistics. Available from: https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/dvc99999/covid-emissions-gh-pages/index.html?2020 UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Available from: https://www.ipcc-nggip.iges.or.jp/public/wetlands/index.html;UK Government – Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2023. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/greenhouse-gas-reporting-conversion-factors-2023Melo R, Zarruk D. Distance and travel time between two points from google maps. 2016.
