永續導向之遠距醫療減碳效益

Telemedicine for Carbon Reduction

目的：評估某教學醫院影像判讀中心（Imaging Reading Center, IRC）於偏鄉離島推動遠距影像判讀之減碳效益與其對醫療永續之貢獻。方法：回溯2010-2024年37家衛生所服務資料；以Google地圖估算就醫往返距離與時間，套用汽車與船舶排放係數換算kgCO₂e，並依計程車資估算交通費；同時計入遠距傳輸之碳排。結果：15年間累計減少交通距離約23,258,162公里、避免的累計二氧化碳排放量約5,530,599 kgCO₂e，節省交通費約新臺幣5.78億元；遠距傳輸僅排放約4,150 kgCO₂e，淨減量為其1,332倍；臺東、梨山與蘭嶼效益最顯著。結論：遠距醫療能同時提升可近性與降低醫療交通碳足跡，為我國邁向淨零與縮減城鄉差距之可行策略。

Objectives. To quantify the carbon-reduction benefits of tele-radiology provided by the Imaging Reading Center (IRC) of Taoyuan General Hospital for rural and island communities in Taiwan and to examine its contribution to sustainable healthcare.
Methods. We retrospectively analyzed service data from 37 public health centers (2010-2024). For each site, round-trip travel distance and time to the nearest regional hospital were estimated using Google Maps. Carbon emissions (kgCO₂e) were calculated using official emission factors for passenger cars and ferries, and tele-transmission emissions were included. Potential travel costs were estimated using taximeter rules. Descriptive analyses summarized annual and regional results.
Results. Over 15 years, telemedicine avoided ~23.26 million km of patient travel, ~5,530,599 kgCO₂e, and ~NT$578 million in travel costs. Emissions from digital image/ report transmission were ~4,150 kgCO₂e, yielding a net reduction about 1,332-fold greater than the service footprint. Benefits were most pronounced in Taitung County, Lishan (Taichung), and Lanyu (Taitung).
Conclusion. Telemedicine substantially reduces transport-related emissions while improving access for remote populations. Scaling such services is a practical pathway for Taiwan’s net-zero transition and for advancing health equity in rural and island settings.