Prototype of an organising framework for healthcare decarbonisation research: an exploratory classification study

Objectives To develop an organising framework for healthcare decarbonisation research, which goes beyond classification schemes based on scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions or lists of loosely connected themes and which is intended to support the coordination, funding and application of research into policy and practice. The organising framework was developed with a focus on the National Health Service (NHS) in England but enables application to healthcare systems more broadly.

Design An exploratory classification study of over 160 research questions derived from a review and data extraction of nine systematic reviews, 13 stakeholder documents, two research priority exercises and four research funder sources. A further eight systematic reviews and 14 stakeholder documents, which were not used for direct data extraction, were used to test the emerging framework and specify thematic gaps.

Setting Primarily high-income healthcare systems, with a focus on the NHS in England. Participants Not applicable.

Primary outcome A multilevel thematic framework representing current and missing areas of research in healthcare decarbonisation.