Digitalisation, such as distance spanning solutions, is seen as one way of reducing the negative environmental impacts of healthcare and care production and advancing the green transition. Digitalisation is generally considered a positive measure for the environment. However, at least some negative climate impacts result from every digitalisation action due to the equipment and energy that are needed. Concrete practical tools are required in order to assess the impacts of digitalisation in the field of health care and care.
This part of the publication introduces a novel methodology to assess the environmental, especially the climate impacts and social impacts of digital healthcare and care services. We also present the results of our combined quantitative and qualitative assessment concerning the impacts of distance spanning home care services in Finland, focusing on medicine robot services for older people. The study shows how such distance spanning solutions in health care and care can contribute to the green transition. Practical guidance for future impact assessments is also given.