*Article* **Impact of a Telemedicine Program on the Reduction in the Emission of Atmospheric Pollutants and Journeys by Road**

**Josep Vidal-Alaball 1,2,\*, Jordi Franch-Parella 3,\*, Francesc Lopez Seguí 4,5, Francesc Garcia Cuyàs 6 and Jacobo Mendioroz Peña 1,2**


Received: 3 October 2019; Accepted: 6 November 2019; Published: 8 November 2019

**Abstract:** This retrospective study evaluates the e ffect of a telemedicine program developed in the central Catalan region in lowering the environmental footprint by reducing the emission of atmospheric pollutants, thanks to a reduction in the number of hospital visits involving journeys by road. Between January 2018 and June 2019, a total of 12,322 referrals were made to telemedicine services in the primary care centers, avoiding a total of 9034 face-to-face visits. In total, the distance saved was 192,682 km, with a total travel time saving of 3779 h and a total fuel reduction of 11,754 L with an associated cost of €15,664. This represents an average reduction of 3248.3 g of carbon dioxide, 4.05 g of carbon monoxide, 4.86 g of nitric oxide and 3.2 g of sulphur dioxide. This study confirms that telemedicine reduces the environmental impact of atmospheric pollutants emitted by vehicles by reducing the number of journeys made for face-to-face visits, and thus contributing to environmental sustainability.

**Keywords:** telemedicine; carbon dioxide; air pollutants; vehicle emissions; primary care
