Green Commuting In The Health Care Sector Obstacles And Best Practices

Objective:Fossil fuel transportation by health care providers contributes to the prevalence of diseases they treat. We conducted an exploratory study to understand obstacles to, and best practices for, greener commuting among health care providers.Methods:We surveyed staff of three hospital clinics as to how they commute and why, and interviewed key staff of five hospital leaders in green commuting about their programs.Results:Factors that might change respondents' commuting choices from driving alone included financial incentives, convenience, and solutions to crime and safety concerns. Successful green commuting programs offer benefits including free or reduced transit passes, shuttle buses to transit stations, and free emergency rides home.Conclusions:Exemplary programs throughout the country demonstrate that modifying those factors within reach can impact the amount of fossil fuel energy used for health care provider transportation.