Green Virtual Care Tool

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How to use this site

This tool shows you the questions that will need to be answered to implement and maintain a sustainable Virtual Care System. You probably won't be able to answer all the questions by yourself, so identify the people that have the knwodlege and skills on the different areas covered by this tool and ask them the questions. They might be people in other departments or even some of the suppliers used by your organisation.

Beside the questions you will sometimes see an icon. Clicking on them will provide extra information. Below is a brief explanation of what each icon means:

Why should you ask this questionWhy should you ask this question?


Extra information and resourcesRead more about this subject


ideas that you could trySuggest actions to be taken next

Procuring Devices

Extra information and resources There are many guides on how to ensure sustainability in digital infrastructure. Here is one that may be useful, although bear in mind that these guides are generated by vendors of software or services associated with their guides.
Why should you ask this question Using existing devices minimizes e-waste. Try and procure repurposed devices. Where possible, use existing devices. However, if a user’s own device, typically their phone, is, for example, used to perform monitoring tasks that form part of the Virtual Care system, then the user may have to pay for this themselves. This is because it may be difficult to separate out the element of their ongoing phone costs that are attributable to the virtual care service. Having users cover the costs themselves raises equity issues. Furthermore, existing devices may not support security regulations: regulations around the security of connected devices and networks are increasing. All components of your Virtual Care system will need to comply with the regulations in place in your area.

ideas that you could try If you are procuring your Virtual Care System as an ongoing managed service, or if your service provider is responsible for maintaining your devices, put these questions to your service provider.

Why should you ask this question This is a crucial enabler for maximising the useful lifetime of the devices.