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Krippl N, Mezger NCS, Danquah I, Nieder J, Griesel S, Schildmann J, Mikolajczyk R, Kantelhardt EJ, Herrmann A. Climate-sensitive health counselling in Germany: a cross-sectional study about previous participation and preferences in the general public. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1519. [PMID: 38844875 PMCID: PMC11155184 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18998-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to climate change (CC), medicine needs to consider new aspects in health counselling of patients. Such climate-sensitive health counselling (CSHC) may include counselling patients on preventing and coping with climate-sensitive diseases or on leading healthy and climate-friendly lifestyles. This study aimed to identify previous participation in and preferences for CSHC as well as associated sociodemographic and attitudinal factors among the general public in Germany. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in a population-based online panel in five German federal states (04-06/2022). We performed descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analysis to assess prior participation in CSHC and content preferences regarding CSHC, as well as associations between sociodemographic variables and general preference for CSHC. RESULTS Among 1491 participants (response rate 47.1%), 8.7% explicitly reported having participated in CSHC, while 39.9% had discussed at least one CSHC-related topic with physicians. In the studied sample, 46.7% of participants would like CSHC to be part of the consultation with their physician, while 33.9% rejected this idea. Participants aged 21 to 40 years (versus 51 to 60), individuals alarmed about CC (versus concerned/cautious/disengaged/doubtful/dismissive), and those politically oriented to the left (vs. centre or right) showed greater preference for CSHC in the multivariable regression model. Most participants wanted to talk about links to their personal health (65.1%) as opposed to links to the health of all people (33.2%). CONCLUSIONS Almost half of the participants in this sample would like to receive CSHC, especially those who are younger, more alarmed about CC and more politically oriented to the left. More research and training on patient-centred implementation of CSHC is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Krippl
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Nikolaus C S Mezger
- Global and Planetary Health Working Group, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 8, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ina Danquah
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Hertz-Chair Innovation for Planetary Health, Center for Development Research (ZEF), Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jessica Nieder
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvan Griesel
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Schildmann
- Institute for History and Ethics in Medicine, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 20, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin, Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 8, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Eva J Kantelhardt
- Global and Planetary Health Working Group, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 8, 06097, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alina Herrmann
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of General Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Medical Faculty Cologne University, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
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Sandal S, Ethier I, Onu U, Fung W, Bajpai D, Bilchut WH, Bagasha P, De Chiara L, Hafiz E, Smyth B, Kelly D, Pippias M, Jha V. Climate Change, Kidney Health, and Environmentally Sustainable Kidney Care: A Multinational Survey of Health Care Professionals. J Am Soc Nephrol 2024:00001751-990000000-00320. [PMID: 38768364 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Key Points
A multinational survey of health care professionals on the kidney health impacts of climate change and the environmental burden of kidney care was conducted.Most participants reported knowledge gaps and high level of concern on these interconnected issues.Only a minority report personal or organizational initiatives in environmentally sustainable kidney care; this did not vary by country income level.
Background
Given the threat of climate change to kidney health and the significant environmental effect of kidney care, calls are increasing for health care professionals and organizations to champion climate advocacy and environmentally sustainable kidney care. Yet, little is known about their engagement, and existing literature is primarily emerging from high-income countries.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey to understand the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health care professionals on the interconnectedness of climate change and kidney health; to identify personal and organizational initiatives in sustainable kidney care and strategies to increase their engagement; and to compare responses by their country's income level as classified by the World Bank.
Results
Participants (n=972) represented 108 countries, with 64% from lower- or middle-income countries. Ninety-eight percent believed that climate change is happening, yet <50% possessed knowledge about the effect of climate change on kidney health or the environmental effect of kidney care. Only 14% were involved in climate change and kidney health initiatives (membership, knowledge/awareness, research, and advocacy), 22% in sustainable kidney care initiatives (education/advocacy, preventative nephrology, sustainable dialysis, promoting transplant/home therapies, and research), and 26% reported organizational initiatives in sustainable kidney care (sustainable general or dialysis practices, preventative/lean nephrology, and focused committees). Participants from lower-income countries generally reported higher knowledge and variable level of concern. Engagement in sustainable kidney care did not vary by income level. Guidance/toolkit (79%), continuing education (75%), and opportunities (74%) were the top choices to increase engagement. National initiatives (47%), preventative measures (35%), and research endeavors (31%) were the top avenues for organizational engagement. These varied by income level, suggesting that the vision and priorities vary by baseline resource setting.
Conclusions
We have identified knowledge and practice gaps among health care professionals on the bidirectional relationship between kidney disease and climate change in a multinational context and several avenues to increase their engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaifali Sandal
- Divisions of Nephrology and Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- MEDIC, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Ethier
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Health Innovation and Evaluation hub, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ugochi Onu
- Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Ituku-Ozalla, Nigeria
| | - Winston Fung
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Divya Bajpai
- Department of Nephrology, Seth G.S.M.C. and K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Peace Bagasha
- Directorate of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Mulago National Referral Hospital l and College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Letizia De Chiara
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ehab Hafiz
- Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Brendan Smyth
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dearbhla Kelly
- Oxford Critical Care, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Pippias
- Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Renal Unit, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Vivekanand Jha
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, New Delhi, India
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Tourrette C, Tostain JB, Kozub E, Badreddine M, James J, Noraz A, De Choudens C, Moulis L, Duflos C, Carbonnel F. An e-Learning Course to Train General Practitioners in Planetary Health: Pilot Intervention Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e56138. [PMID: 38743463 PMCID: PMC11134242 DOI: 10.2196/56138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the World Health Organization, climate and ecological emergencies are already major threats to human health. Unabated climate change will cause 3.4 million deaths per year by the end of the century, and health-related deaths in the population aged ≥65 years will increase by 1540%. Planetary health (PH) is based on the understanding that human health and human civilization depend on flourishing natural systems and the wise stewardship of those natural systems. Health care systems collectively produce global emissions equivalent to those of the fifth largest country on earth, and they should take steps to reduce their environmental impact. Primary care in France accounts for 23% of greenhouse gas emissions in the health care sector. General practitioners (GPs) have an important role in PH. The course offers first-year GP residents of the Montpellier-Nîmes Faculty of Medicine a blended-learning course on environmental health. An e-learning module on PH, lasting 30 to 45 minutes, has been introduced in this course. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the e-learning module on participants' knowledge and behavior change. METHODS This was a before-and-after study. The module consisted of 3 parts: introduction, degradation of ecosystems and health (based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report and planetary limits), and ecoresponsibility (based on the Shift Project report on the impact of the health care system on the environment). The questionnaire used Likert scales to self-assess 10 points of knowledge and 5 points of PH-related behavior. RESULTS A total of 95 participants completed the pre- and posttest questionnaires (response rate 55%). The mean scores for participants' pretest knowledge and behaviors were 3.88/5 (SD 0.362) and 3.45/5 (SD 0.705), respectively. There was no statistically significant variation in the results according to age or gender. The pretest mean score of participants who had already taken PH training was statistically better than those who had not taken the PH training before this course (mean 4.05, SD 0.16 vs mean 3.71, SD 0.374; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS The PH module of the Primary Care Environment and Health course significantly improved self-assessment knowledge scores and positively modified PH behaviors among GP residents. Further work is needed to study whether these self-declared behaviors are translated into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Tourrette
- University Department of General Practice, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Tostain
- University Department of General Practice, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
- Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Montpellier University, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Eva Kozub
- University Department of General Practice, University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Maha Badreddine
- Department of Pedagogical Engineering and Audiovisual Production, Faculty of Medicine, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Julia James
- University Department of General Practice, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Aurore Noraz
- University Department of General Practice, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Charlotte De Choudens
- Clinical research and Epidemiology Unit, University of Montpellier Hospital Center, Montpellier, France
| | - Lionel Moulis
- Clinical research and Epidemiology Unit, University of Montpellier Hospital Center, Montpellier, France
| | - Claire Duflos
- Clinical research and Epidemiology Unit, University of Montpellier Hospital Center, Montpellier, France
| | - Francois Carbonnel
- University Department of General Practice, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
- Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, Montpellier University, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Maison de Santé Pluriprofessionnelle Universitaire Avicenne, Cabestany, France
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Redvers N, Hartmann-Boyce J, Tonkin-Crine S. Patient-planetary health co-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar health region: a qualitative study of physician voices from the Northwest Territories, Canada. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081156. [PMID: 38431297 PMCID: PMC10910660 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite climate change being described as a code red for humanity, health systems have been particularly slow in both climate mitigation and adaptation responses. The effects of climate change on health and health systems will not be felt equally, with underserved and marginalised communities disproportionately impacted. The circumpolar region is warming at 3-4 times the global rate, amplifying already existing socioeconomic barriers and health inequities, with particular amplified effects for the substantial Indigenous population in the area. OBJECTIVES AND SETTING We therefore sought to explore perspectives of physicians around patient-planetary health (P-PH) co-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar region in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, known to be one of the ground zero levels for climate change. METHODS Thirteen semi-structured physician interviews were carried out in the NWT region between May 2022 and March 2023 using purposive sampling. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and reflexive thematic analysis was carried out to identify key themes. RESULTS There were three main themes identified including (1) current healthcare system does not support planetary health, (2) supporting patient-planetary health is currently difficult for clinicians and (3) considering change in the NWT to support patient-planetary health. Participants noted key opportunities to move planetary health forward, with the NWT having the potential to be an innovative model for planetary health-informed change for other health systems. CONCLUSION The NWT health system has unique features due to its rural and remote nature and smaller population base. Despite this, our study identified some key opportunities for advancing P-PH co-benefit efforts. The identified opportunities may be considered in future intervention, organisational change and policy-making efforts with potential relevance in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Redvers
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jamie Hartmann-Boyce
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Health Policy and Promotion, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Blenkinsop S, Wardrope A, Willis J, Sisodiya SM. Climate change: Attitudes and concerns of, and learnings from, people with neurological conditions, carers, and health care professionals. Epilepsia 2024; 65:95-106. [PMID: 37945547 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Concern about climate change among the general public is acknowledged by surveys. The health care sector must play its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to a changing climate, which will require the support of its stakeholders including those with epilepsy, who may be especially vulnerable. It is important to understand this community's attitudes and concerns about climate change and societal responses. METHODS A survey was made available to more than 100 000 people among a section of the neurological community (patients, carers, and clinicians), focused on epilepsy. We applied quantitative analysis of Likert scale responses supported by qualitative analyses of free-text questions with crossover analyses to identify consonance and dissonance between the two approaches. RESULTS A small proportion of potential respondents completed the survey; of 126 respondents, 52 had epilepsy and 56 explicitly declared no illness. The survey indicated concern about the impact of climate change on health within this neurological community focused on epilepsy. More than half of respondents considered climate change to have been bad for their health, rising to 68% in a subgroup with a neurological condition; over 80% expected climate change to harm their health in future. Most (>75%) believed that action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will lead to improved health and well-being. The crossover analysis identified cost and accessibility as significant barriers. SIGNIFICANCE The high level of concern about climate change impacts and positive attitudes toward policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions provide support for climate action from the epilepsy community. However, if policies are implemented without considering the needs of patients, they risk being exclusionary, worsening inequalities, and further threatening neurological health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alistair Wardrope
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Joseph Willis
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Sanjay M Sisodiya
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Bucks, UK
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6
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Seastedt H, Nadeau K. Factors by which global warming worsens allergic disease. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2023; 131:694-702. [PMID: 37689112 PMCID: PMC10873081 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.08.610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Increased use of fossil fuels has led to global warming with concomitant increases in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events such as wildfires and sand and dust storms. These changes have led to increases in air pollutants such as particulate matter and greenhouse gases. Global warming is also associated with increases in pollen season length and pollen concentration. Particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and pollen synergistically increase the incidence and severity of allergic diseases. Other indirect factors such as droughts, flooding, thunderstorms, heat waves, water pollution, human migration, deforestation, loss of green space, and decreasing biodiversity (including microbial diversity) also affect the incidence and severity of allergic disease. Global warming and extreme weather events are expected to increase in the coming decades, and further increases in allergic diseases are expected, exacerbating the already high health care burden associated with these diseases. There is an urgent need to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change to improve human health. Human health and planetary health are connected and the concept of One Health, which is an integrated, unifying approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and the environment needs to be emphasized. Clinicians are trusted members of the community, and they need to take a strong leadership role in educating patients on climate change and its adverse effects on human health. They also need to advocate for policy changes that decrease the use of fossil fuels and increase biodiversity and green space to enable a healthier and more sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Seastedt
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Kari Nadeau
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Griesel S, Schwerdtle PN, Quitmann C, Danquah I, Herrmann A. Patients' perceptions of climate-sensitive health counselling in primary care: Qualitative results from Germany. Eur J Gen Pract 2023; 29:2284261. [PMID: 38010828 PMCID: PMC10773651 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2023.2284261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change is the greatest threat to global health in the twenty first century, yet combating it entails substantial health co-benefits. Physicians and other health professionals have not yet fully embraced their responsibilities in the climate crisis, especially about their communication with patients. While medical associations are calling on physicians to integrate climate change into health counselling, there is little empirical evidence about corresponding perceptions of patients. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore primary care patients' perceptions of climate-sensitive health counselling. METHODS From July to December 2021, 27 qualitative interviews with patients were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. A purposive sampling technique was applied to identify patients who had already experienced climate-sensitive health counselling in Germany. RESULTS Patients' perceptions of climate-sensitive health counselling were characterised by a high level of acceptance, which was enhanced by stressing the link between climate change and health, being credible concerning physician's own climate-friendly lifestyle, building upon good therapeutic relationships, creating a sense of solidarity, and working in a patient centred manner. Challenges and risks for acceptance were patients' disinterest or surprise, time constraints, feared politicisation of consultations, and evoking feelings of guilt and shame. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that primary care patients can accept climate-sensitive health counselling, if it follows certain principles of communication, including patient-centredness. Our findings can be useful for developing communication guidelines, respective policies as well as well-designed intervention studies, which are needed to test the health and environmental effects of climate-sensitive health counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvan Griesel
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), University Hospital Heidelberg and Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patricia Nayna Schwerdtle
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), University Hospital Heidelberg and Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Claudia Quitmann
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), University Hospital Heidelberg and Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ina Danquah
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), University Hospital Heidelberg and Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alina Herrmann
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), University Hospital Heidelberg and Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of General Medicine, University Hospital Cologne and Medical Faculty of Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
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Quitmann C, Griesel S, Nayna Schwerdtle P, Danquah I, Herrmann A. Climate-sensitive health counselling: a scoping review and conceptual framework. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e600-e610. [PMID: 37438001 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00107-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Health professional societies and researchers call for the integration of climate change into health counselling. However, the scientific evidence and conceptual grounding of such climate-sensitive health counselling (CSHC) remains unclear. We conducted a scoping review identifying scientific articles on the integration of climate change into communication between health professionals and patients in health-care settings. Scientific databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar) were searched from inception until Nov 30, 2022. 97 articles were included, of which 33 represented empirical research, and only two evaluated the effects of CSHC. More than half of the articles originated from the USA and addressed physicians. We introduce a conceptual framework for CSHC, which elaborates on aims, content areas, and communication strategies, and establishes the guiding principle of integrating CSHC into routine activities of health care. This framework supports health professionals in implementing CSHC and enables researchers to conceptualise intervention studies investigating how CSHC can contribute to the health of patients and the planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Quitmann
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvan Griesel
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patricia Nayna Schwerdtle
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing (IWR)-Climate Change and Health AI Lab, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ina Danquah
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alina Herrmann
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute of General Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Medical Faculty University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Rybol L, Nieder J, Amelung D, Hachad H, Sauerborn R, Depoux A, Herrmann A. Integrating climate change and health topics into the medical curriculum - a quantitative needs assessment of medical students at Heidelberg University in Germany. GMS JOURNAL FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 40:Doc36. [PMID: 37377571 PMCID: PMC10291352 DOI: 10.3205/zma001618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Climate change (CC) is of major importance for physicians as they are directly confronted with changing disease patterns, work in a greenhouse gas intensive sector and can be potential advocates for healthy people on a healthy planet. Methods We assessed third to fifth year medical students' needs to support the integration of CC topics into medical curricula. A questionnaire with 54 single choice-based items was newly designed with the following sections: role perception, knowledge test, learning needs, preference of educational strategies and demographic characteristics. It was administered online to students at Heidelberg medical faculty. Data sets were used for descriptive statistics and regression modelling. Results 72.4% of students (N=170, 56.2% female, 76% aged 20-24 years) (strongly) agreed that physicians carry a responsibility to address CC in their work setting while only 4.7% (strongly) agreed that their current medical training had given them enough skills to do so. Knowledge was high in the area of CC, health impacts of CC, vulnerabilities and adaptation (70.1% correct answers). Knowledge gaps were greatest for health co-benefits and climate-friendly healthcare (55.5% and 16.7% of correct answers, respectively). 79.4% wanted to see CC and health included in the medical curriculum with a preference for integration into existing mandatory courses. A multilinear regression model with factors age, gender, semester, aspired work setting, political leaning, role perception and knowledge explained 45.9% of variance for learning needs. Conclusion The presented results encourage the integration of CC and health topics including health co-benefits and climate-friendly healthcare, as well as respective professional role development into existing mandatory courses of the medical curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Rybol
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jessica Nieder
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Rainer Sauerborn
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anneliese Depoux
- University of Paris Cité, Centre Virchow-Villermé, Paris, France
| | - Alina Herrmann
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg, Germany
- University Hospital Cologne, Medical Faculty Cologne University, Institute for General Medicine, Cologne, Germany
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10
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Redvers N, Wright K, Hartmann-Boyce J, Tonkin-Crine S. Physicians' views of patient-planetary health co-benefit prescribing: a mixed methods systematic review. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e407-e417. [PMID: 37164517 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00050-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Health professionals are increasingly called to become partners in planetary health. Using patient-planetary health (P-PH) co-benefit prescribing framing, we did a mixed methods systematic review to identify barriers and facilitators to adopting P-PH co-benefit prescribing by physicians and mapped these onto the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). We searched electronic databases from inception until October, 2022, and did a content analysis of the included articles (n=12). Relevant categories were matched to items in the COM-B model and TDF. Nine barriers and eight facilitators were identified. Barriers included an absence of, or little, knowledge of how to change practice and time to implement change; facilitators included having policy statements and guidelines from respected associations. More diverse study designs that include health professionals, patients, and health-care system stakeholders are needed to ensure a more holistic understanding of the individual, system, and policy levers involved in implementing clinical work informed by planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Redvers
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Kyla Wright
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Jamie Hartmann-Boyce
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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11
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Wicklum SC, Nuique K, Kelly MA, Nesbitt CC, Zhang JJ, Svrcek CP. Greening Family Medicine clinic operations and clinical care, where do we start? A scoping review of toolkits and aids. Fam Pract 2023; 40:473-485. [PMID: 36730055 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmad006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a pressing need for healthcare to respond to the climate crisis. Family physicians, given their central role in community healthcare provision, are strategically placed to lead, support, and promote sustainable healthcare, yet guidance on how to do this is fragmented. OBJECTIVE To identify and evaluate toolkits and aids on sustainable healthcare to act as a curated resource for family physicians and their care teams interested in delivering evidence-based sustainable healthcare in their clinical practices. METHODS A scoping review was completed of the published and grey literature across 4 databases and 2 search engines to identify articles and aids/toolkits from 1990 to present. Toolkits were subsequently evaluated for purpose, evidence-base, implementation process, adaptability to family medicine, and outcome measures. RESULTS The search identified 17,751 articles. Screening resulted in 20 published articles and 11 toolkits. Most articles presented simple checklists to support greening clinic initiatives, 3 studies focussed on partial carbon footprint analyses, and 4 on educational initiatives. Toolkits ranged in sustainability topics and degree of depth covered, and adaptability and outcome measures. None of the resources identified have been formally evaluated for effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS A range of aids exist to support greening of clinic operations; however, there is a significant gap in the literature for greening clinical care. Two toolkits were found to be comprehensive, one requiring tracking and reporting of sustainability initiatives. This scoping review provides a starting point for motivated family doctors and community clinics to initiate change and support more sustainable healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja C Wicklum
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kate Nuique
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Martina A Kelly
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Colleen C Nesbitt
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jessica J Zhang
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Clark P Svrcek
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
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12
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van Baal K, Stiel S, Schulte P. Public Perceptions of Climate Change and Health-A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1464. [PMID: 36674220 PMCID: PMC9859516 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is inseparably linked to human health. Although there is growing awareness of the threats to human health caused by climate change, it remains unclear how the German population perceives the relevance of climate change and its health consequences. Between May and September 2022, German residents were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey that explored three content areas: (1) the relevance of climate change, (2) health risks in connection with climate change and (3) collective and individual options for action against climate change. A total of 697 full data sets were collected for analysis (72% female, 51% ≥55 years old). The majority of participants agreed that human-induced climate change exists (85%), and that it has an impact on human health (83%). They also perceived the global population to be more strongly impacted by climate change than themselves (89% versus 68%). Most participants (76%) claimed to personally contribute to climate protection and 23% felt that their city or council contributed to climate protection. Although the majority of participants saw climate change as a threat to human health, they perceived other population groups to be most strongly affected. Cognitive dissonance might explain this lack of individual concern and one approach to addressing such distorted perceptions might be the dissemination of appropriate risk communication with health professionals involved in the communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina van Baal
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stiel
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Schulte
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Länger Besser Leben. Institute, University of Applied Sciences Weserbergland, Am Stockhof 2, 31785 Hameln, Germany
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13
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Temte JL, Barrett B, Erickson R, Bell C. Developing a research agenda on climate change and health in primary care. Fam Pract 2022; 40:519-521. [PMID: 36461915 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmac130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan L Temte
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Bruce Barrett
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Rodney Erickson
- Mayo Clinic Health System, Department of Family Medicine, Lake Tomah Clinic, Tomah, WI, United States
| | - Cristalyne Bell
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
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14
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Bernstein J, Rublee C, Kay C, Jackson JL. Risk Factors for Climate-Related Health Effects in an Ambulatory Population. Am J Med 2022; 135:1134-1136. [PMID: 35472395 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change is a global health crisis. In most regions, heat waves are expected to become longer and more frequent and air quality is expected to worsen. Few physicians discuss climate and health with patients, and related guidelines are lacking. Our objective was to quantify the prevalence of risk factors for illness related to climate change in the U.S. ambulatory setting. METHODS From the 2018 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, a national probability sample of nonfederal, ambulatory encounters, we identified adults with risk factors for illness related to heat or air pollution exposure. RESULTS We found 91.4% of encounters involved a patient with at least 1 risk factor, while 46.7% had 2 or more. CONCLUSION A high prevalence of patients with climate-related health risk factors exists in the ambulatory setting, representing a significant opportunity for evidence-based climate and health patient education and preventative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Bernstein
- Clement J. Zablocki Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisc; Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
| | | | - Cynthia Kay
- Clement J. Zablocki Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisc; Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
| | - Jeffrey L Jackson
- Clement J. Zablocki Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisc; Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
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15
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Talking about Climate Change and Environmental Degradation with Patients in Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Knowledge, Potential Domains of Action and Points of View of General Practitioners. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084901. [PMID: 35457768 PMCID: PMC9029888 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: General practitioners (GPs) could play a role in mitigating climate change by raising awareness of its impact on human health and implementing changes to improve population health and decreasing environmental footprints. The aim of this study was to assess GPs’ knowledge and perspectives about the health impacts of climate change. Method: A questionnaire was sent to 1972 GPs in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Knowledge of the impact of environmental degradations and climate change on health and willingness to address climate change with patients, to be exemplary and to act as role models were surveyed as well as demographic characteristics of GPs. Results: Respondents (N = 497) expressed a high level of self-reported knowledge regarding climate change, although it was lower for more specific topics, such as planetary health or health–environment co-benefits. Participants mostly agreed that it is necessary to adapt clinical practice to the health impacts of climate change and that they have a role in providing information on climate change and its links to human health. Conclusion: Most of the GPs were concerned about environmental and climate degradation. However, this study revealed a gap between the willingness of GPs to integrate the impact of climate change on health into their clinical activities and their lack of overall knowledge and scientific evidence on effective interventions. A promising way forward may be to develop co-benefit interventions adapted to the clinical setting on diet, active mobility and connecting with nature.
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16
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Aylward B, Cunsolo A, Vriezen R, Harper SL. Climate change is impacting mental health in North America: A systematic scoping review of the hazards, exposures, vulnerabilities, risks and responses. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:34-50. [PMID: 35584021 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2029368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
As climate change progresses, it is crucial that researchers and policymakers understand the ways in which climate-mental health risks arise through interactions between climate hazards, human exposure and social vulnerabilities across time and location. This scoping review systematically examined the nature, range and extent of published research in North America that investigates climate-mental health interactions. Five electronic databases were searched and two independent reviewers applied pre-determined criteria to assess the eligibility of articles identified in the search. Eighty-nine articles were determined to be relevant and underwent data extraction and analysis. The published literature reported on numerous exposure pathways through which acute and chronic climate hazards interacted with social vulnerabilities to increase mental health risks, including wellbeing, trauma, anxiety, depression, suicide and substance use. This review also highlights important gaps within the North American climate-mental health evidence base, including minimal research conducted in Mexico, as well as a lack of studies investigating climate-mental health adaptation strategies and projected future mental health risks. Further research should support effective preparation for and adaptation to the current and future mental health impacts of climate change. Such strategies could reduce health risks and the long-term mental health impacts that individuals and communities experience in a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanne Aylward
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ashlee Cunsolo
- School of Arctic & Subarctic Studies, Labrador Campus of Memorial University, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Canada
| | - Rachael Vriezen
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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17
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Bugaj TJ, Heilborn M, Terhoeven V, Kaisinger S, Nagy E, Friederich HC, Nikendei C. What do Final Year Medical Students in Germany know and think about Climate Change? - The ClimAttitude Study. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2021; 26:1917037. [PMID: 33886438 PMCID: PMC8079051 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2021.1917037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Climate change (CC) is adversely affecting human health and will become far more dangerous in the future, if no substantial measures are taken. Young people in particular are taking an energetic stand for CC awareness. Some CC experts argue that medical doctors are especially well positioned to inform about the impact of CC on public health, as it is well established that they are among the most trusted members of society. However, medical doctors seem to be unsure of their role in addressing CC. This study aimed to investigate future doctors´, i.e., final year medical students´ (FYMS), attitudes towards CC and their personal role in CC education and health care. A questionnaire was developed to examine (1) the expected consequences of CC for FYMS, (2) their perceived individual responsibility, and their attitudes towards an additional (3) professional responsibility. To examine the climate-questionnaire's component correlations, we ran a factor analysis using oblique (promax) rotation and conducted a one-way ANOVA with repeated measures to compare the mean scores of the factors. Data are presented as mean ± SD or percentage, as appropriate. n = 65 FYMS (response rate: 87%) were participating and all of them completed the questionnaire. Items of the factor professional responsibility showed the lowest level of agreement (47.2 ± 21.2), while the 2 other factors showed higher levels of agreement (expected consequences (75.6 ± 18.4), individual responsibility (75.1 ± 20.6). Future doctors at Heidelberg University Hospital are well-informed about the expected health consequences of CC. They recognize human contributions to CC and make personal decisions to mitigate the impact. However, the opinion that they have a professional responsibility as physicians to patients or society in regard to CC is weaker. Specific teaching could help to change the way future doctors see their role and responsibility in tackling CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till Johannes Bugaj
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- CONTACT Till Johannes Bugaj Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Inf 410, HeidelbergD-69120, Germany
| | - Marie Heilborn
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Valentin Terhoeven
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Kaisinger
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ede Nagy
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nikendei
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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18
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Family doctors to connect
global concerns
due to climate change with
local actions
: State‐of‐the art and some proposals. WORLD MEDICAL & HEALTH POLICY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wmh3.448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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19
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Redvers N. Patient-Planetary Health Co-benefit Prescribing: Emerging Considerations for Health Policy and Health Professional Practice. Front Public Health 2021; 9:678545. [PMID: 33996734 PMCID: PMC8119779 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.678545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the importance of fostering and developing measures for better health-system resilience globally from the effects of climate change, there have been increasing calls for health professionals, as well as public health and medical education systems, to become partners in climate change mitigation efforts. Direct clinical practice considerations, however, have not been adequately fostered equitably across all regions with an often-confusing array of practice areas within planetary health and sustainable healthcare. This article calls for a more coordinated effort within clinical practice spaces given the urgency of global environmental change, while also taking lessons from Indigenous traditional knowledge systems—a viewpoint that is rarely heard from or prioritized in public health or medicine. Simpler and more coordinated messaging in efforts to improve patient and planetary health are needed. The creation of unifying terminology within planetary health-rooted clinical and public health practice has been proposed with the potential to bring forth dialogue between and within disciplinary offshoots and public health advocacy efforts, and within clinical and health-system policy spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Redvers
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, United States.,Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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