Why teach SusQI?

“This framework has radically altered how I approach quality improvement, in how I deliver quality improvement to the students I teach, in my own practice and in how I appraise the work of others”

- Noreen Ryan, Domain Lead for Quality Healthcare, Imperial College London School of Medicine

#1: IT'S A PROFESSIONAL REQUIRMENT

The NHS has committed to reduce its environmental impact, outlined in the Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service report, supported by the Health and Social Care Act, 2022 which places a legal duty on the NHS to consider climate change when making decisions.

QI is recognised as a key element of practice for health professionals. It underpins building capability and leadership and is a driving force for engaging health professionals in positive change creation.

We recommend that SusQI principles be integrated directly into existing QI learning outcomes as per the recommendations of the 2019 Academy of Medical Royal Colleges report; Developing Quality Improvement into Practice. (p6-10, QI Curriculum) to educate and empower health professionals to practice more sustainable healthcare.

Increasingly, professional bodies reflect the importance of sustainable practice in curricula, standards and assessments including, GMC Outcomes for graduates 2018, GMC Good Medical Practice 2024, the NMC Standards of Proficiency for Midwives 2019,the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and the Care Quality Commission Assessment Framework who have all set standards for embedding sustainable healthcare into professional practice.

#2: STAFF AND STUDENTS CARE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY

Healthcare students, staff and patients are increasingly voicing concerns about the ecological crisis and the need for the health sector to respond and lead by example.

A survey conducted by the Health Foundation found climate change is a major concern for the general public who recognise the direct health risks it carries for them.

98% of the 3000 staff surveyed by the Sustainable Development Unit supported plans for the NHS to become more sustainable

The international student-led initiative Planetary Health Report Card (PHRC) increases planetary health awareness and accountability amongst educational organisations within healthcare with the aim to drive positive change. In 2025, 188 institutions from 21 countries across 10 healthcare disciplines took part.

#3: BE AGENTS FOR POSITIVE CHANGE

The SusQI framework can offer fresh motivation and meaning for educators and students to engage with QI.

Although all sectors need to be involved in the sustainable transformation of our society, there are a number of reasons why the healthcare sector should take the lead.

Health professionals are trusted advisors within society and ideally positioned to educate, advocate, model and lead sustainable change with colleagues, patients, policymakers and the public.
Climate mitigation efforts include actions with significant health co-benefits (such as a reduction in air pollution, increased physical exercise and healthier diets such as plant-based diets). The SusQI framework also includes quantifying other co-benefits such as adding social value to patients, their families and staff, and quantifying financial saving.

A sustainable health-service would ideally include a redistribution of resources, and reorientation of health activity towards health promotion and disease prevention, both of which could result in significant health gains while reducing environmental impact. Clinical leadership is vital for effective adoption and integration of sustainable practices.

SusQI is a practical way for healthcare professionals to become agents for change in their daily practice and can form a foundation for driving cultural change.