Carbon footprint of orthodontic patient travel in NHS Highland
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Carbon footprint of patient travel in a hub and spoke model for orthodontic treatment provision in NHS Highland – a pilot study.
IRAS ID
351176
Contact name
Elinor Chalmers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, days
Research summary
With increasing number of NHS health boards across Scotland consolidating services to a central location, there is a risk of patients facing longer travel distances. In a field such as orthodontics where patients require multiple in person visits over a long period of time, these distances can contribute significantly to the patient’s carbon footprint and consequently have a detrimental effect on NHS Scotland’s zero carbon footprint pledge by 2040. However, NHS Highlands operates a small scale hub and spoke model of orthodontic service provision, which has the advantage of providing patients with the opportunity to make their travel more sustainable. This comparative pilot study aims to investigate and compare the carbon footprint of patient travel for face to face orthodontic treatment appointments between the hub and spoke clinics, what patient factors influence their choice of transport, and the level of concern expressed by them about the environment. In addition, with the increased availability and acceptability of remote audio/visual appointments, the study also aims to investigate treatment progression at that particular face to face orthodontic visit and the clinician’s assessment of the suitability of that visit for a remote appointment as an alternative. By doing this, the investigators hope to identify a model of care delivery in rural locations which is beneficial not only for patients in terms of time and resources but also to NHS Scotland in meeting their net zero emissions target.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0327
Date of REC Opinion
6 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion