GP Sustainability Group publishes new Green Tool Kit for general practice.
Toolkit presents a range of possible solutions to support planetary health and promote sustainability in general practice.
The Irish College of General Practitioners’ Sustainability Working Group has published a new GLAS Tool Kit for general Practice, to mark World Earth Day today (22nd April 2023).
The Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) is the professional body for general practice in Ireland. The ICGP is the representative organisation for education, training and standards in general practice with 4,200 members, comprising over 85% of practicing GPs in Ireland, and over 900 trainees in supervised practice.
The Glas Tool Kit (LINK HERE TO WEBSITE) presents possible solutions to reducing the carbon footprint of general practice, from simple and complex changes to clinical decision-making, the timing of actions on clinical interventions and referrals for tests or procedures. It includes ideas and templates for clinical audits and quality improvement projects.
The Toolkit includes guidance on rational prescribing and disposal of inhalers, antibiotics and medication reviews, and social prescribing.
Furthermore, the Tool Kit encourages GPs and their teams to educate and inform their practice populations, and advocate through the appropriate pathways for the health service and patients to care for the environment we all share.
The Chair of the Sustainability Working Group, Dr Sean Owens, said: “We believe the GLAS toolkit is a fantastic way for Irish-based GPs and nurses to lead the way to a healthier and more sustainable future.”
He added “As family doctors we are in a unique position to promote knowledge about planetary health and behaviour changes, which can improve both individual health and planetary health, such as active transportation, low emission sources of energy and a more vegetable-based diet in our patient communities.”
The GLAS Toolkit can be accessed here (LINK TO FOLLOW)
ISSUED BY: Aileen O’Meara, Communications Consultant, Irish College of General Practitioners.
Tel. 01 2542984 / 087 2239830 Email: media@icgp.ie