Evaluating sustainability awareness and practices in podiatry clinics in Spain: a path toward a healthy and sustainable future

ABSTRACT

Background: Sustainability in healthcare is crucial due to the sector’s significant contribution to global green house gas emissions. Medical practices must address environmental impact while maintaining high-quality care and equitable access. In podiatry, sustainable practices can reduce the environmental footprint of clinics and improve long-term healthcare outcomes by promoting prevention and resource efficiency. Study design: Cross sectional study. 

Method: We conducted an online survey with 357 practicing podiatrists, all registered with the General Council of Podiatrists of Spain and with at least one year of professional experience. The survey contained 26 questions focused on sustainability in healthcare, podiatry practices, and environmental impact. The questionnaire included both closed-ended questions and Likert-scale items. Responses were scored and categorized into arbi trary sustainability categories: low (<12), medium (12 to 25), and high (>25). 

Results: Most respondents (82.6 %) did not regularly use public transport, and 14 % did not engage in any form of physical exercise. More than half of the sample were unaware of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Almost all (98 %) had not measured the carbon footprint of their clinics, yet 34.7 % planned to optimise energy consumption in their clinics. Overall, 41.7 % were categorized as low sustainability, 56.9 % medium, and 1.4 % met high sustainability. Conclusions: Podiatry clinics in Spain demonstrate low sustainability actions and knowledge. Sustainable practice aligns with global environment healthcare urgency, and ensures more responsible podiatric services. This study provides the first baseline data for this issue, availing comparisons across global podiatric healthcare sectors.