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Llamas CA, Guinto R, Addison J, Alam N, Amoakoh HB, Artola Arita V, Kolpa N, Mattijsen J, Zhang Y, Downward GS, Browne JL. Collective knowledge exchange through regional hubs: Local expertise, global platform. Trop Med Int Health 2024; 29:849-855. [PMID: 39253880 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.14041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Alay Llamas
- Julius Global Health, Department of Global Public Health & Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Renzo Guinto
- Planetary and Global Health Program, St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine-William H. Quasha Memorial, Quezon, Philippines
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Julia Addison
- Julius Global Health, Department of Global Public Health & Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nazmul Alam
- Department of Public Health, Asian University for Women, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Hannah Brown Amoakoh
- Julius Global Health, Department of Global Public Health & Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Vicente Artola Arita
- Julius Global Health, Department of Global Public Health & Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Noa Kolpa
- Julius Global Health, Department of Global Public Health & Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Juliette Mattijsen
- Julius Global Health, Department of Global Public Health & Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, China Studies Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia
| | - George S Downward
- Julius Global Health, Department of Global Public Health & Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Science (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joyce L Browne
- Julius Global Health, Department of Global Public Health & Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Utrecht University Centre for Global Challenges (UGlobe), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Jacobsen KH, Marchione KA, Faerron Guzmán CA, Aguirre AA, Waggett CE. Planetary health education in the United States: four curricular models, one goal. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:3672-3681. [PMID: 38351519 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2316185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Global environmental crises demand scaled-up investment in education about planetary health. We identified college and university programs in the United States that focus on the human-animal-ecosystem nexus by systematically searching the 2023-2024 catalogs of more than 1000 schools. We identified four frequently-used curricular models: (1) One Health programs offered by universities with veterinary and agriculture schools that emphasize zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and wildlife conservation; (2) climate change and health (climate medicine) programs for graduate and professional students at large universities with medical and public health schools; (3) global environmental public health programs focused on pollution and other exposures; and (4) sustainability and health programs emphasizing food security, environmental justice, and other health issues that can be improved with ethical design and engineering. Highlighting the shared goals of these distinct academic models may help make planetary health a more visible area of teaching, research, and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carlos A Faerron Guzmán
- Centro Interamericano para la Salud Global (InterAmerican Center for Global Health), Costa Rica; Graduate School, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - A Alonso Aguirre
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Warner College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Caryl E Waggett
- Department of Global Health Studies, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA, USA
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Jacobsen KH, Waggett CE, Berenbaum P, Bayles BR, Carlson GL, English R, Faerron Guzmán CA, Gartin ML, Grant L, Henshaw TL, Iannotti LL, Landrigan PJ, Lansbury N, Li H, Lichtveld MY, McWhorter KL, Rettig JE, Sorensen CJ, Wetzel EJ, Whitehead DM, Winch PJ, Martin K. Planetary health learning objectives: foundational knowledge for global health education in an era of climate change. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e706-e713. [PMID: 39243786 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(24)00167-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Planetary health is an emerging field that emphasises that humans depend on a healthy Earth for survival and, conversely, that the sustainability of Earth systems is dependent on human behaviours. In response to member demands for resources to support teaching and learning related to planetary health, the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) convened a working group to develop a set of planetary health learning objectives (PHLOs) that would complement the existing ten CUGH global health learning objectives. The eight PHLOs feature Earth system changes, planetary boundaries, and climate change science; ecological systems and One Health; human health outcomes; risk assessment, vulnerability, and resilience; policy, governance, and laws (including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement); roles and responsibilities of governments, businesses, civil society organisations, other institutions, communities, and individuals for mitigation, adaptation, conservation, restoration, and sustainability; environmental ethics, human rights, and climate justice; and environmental literacy and communication. Educators who use the PHLOs as a foundation for teaching, curriculum design, and programme development related to the health-environment nexus will equip learners with a knowledge of planetary health science, interventions, and communication that is essential for future global health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Jacobsen
- Department of Health Studies, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Caryl E Waggett
- Department of Global Health Studies, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA, USA
| | | | - Brett R Bayles
- School of Health and Natural Sciences, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA, USA
| | - Gail L Carlson
- Environmental Studies Department, Colby College, Waterville, ME, USA
| | - René English
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Parow, South Africa
| | - Carlos A Faerron Guzmán
- Graduate School, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA; Planetary Health Alliance, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Meredith L Gartin
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Liz Grant
- Global Health Academy, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas L Henshaw
- Environmental Studies Program, Denison University, Granville, OH, USA
| | - Lora L Iannotti
- Center for the Environment, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Philip J Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health and the Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco
| | - Nina Lansbury
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health/Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Ketrell L McWhorter
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Cecilia J Sorensen
- Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric J Wetzel
- Global Health Initiative, Wabash College, Crawfordsville, IN, USA
| | - Dawn Michele Whitehead
- Office of Global Citizenship for Campus, Community, and Careers, American Association of Colleges & Universities, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Peter J Winch
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Keith Martin
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health, Washington, DC, USA
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Prescott SL. Planetary health: A new approach to healing the Anthropocene. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024:S1081-1206(24)00526-X. [PMID: 39173905 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2024.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch reflecting the large-scale impact of human activity on the Earth's natural systems. This era is also characterized by other significant threats to ecologic well-being that are less evident in the sedimentary records. Extensive environmental changes with industrialization and urbanization have also contributed to declining biodiversity and microbial dysbiosis in essential ecosystems-the original and foundational lifeforms that continue to sustain virtually all ecosystems today, including our own. These changes, along with numerous other social and ecologic disruptions at all scales are implicated in the rising rates of physical and mental ill-health, particularly the immune dysregulation and noncommunicable diseases that characterize the Anthropocene. This narrative review considers how urgent structural changes in how we live are essential to the future of human health and the flourishing of all life on Earth. It explores planetary health as a solutions-oriented, transdisciplinary field and social movement aimed at addressing these interconnected global challenges through integrated ecologic approaches. Planetary health considers not only the vital biophysical "planetary boundaries" required to support human flourishing, but also the upstream social, political, and economic ecosystems that support (or undermine) well-being at all scales. The value systems and the worldviews that have contributed to our global challenges are a central consideration in the planetary health agenda- emphasizing the imperative to address structural inequalities, injustices, and the social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of unrealized human potential. Promoting these inner assets is essential to human flourishing and fostering the cultural capacities necessary to ensure sustainable planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Prescott
- Medical School, University of Western Australia; Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland; Planetary Health Network, Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Tigges P, Greser A, Gágyor I, Kraft J, Maun A, Schmiemann G, Schwienhorst-Stich EM, Heintze C, Schuster A. Addressing AMR and planetary health in primary care: the potential of general practitioners as change agents. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1383423. [PMID: 39145182 PMCID: PMC11322125 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1383423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antimicrobial resistance is closely linked with the health and stability of environmental systems and therefore a challenge for the health of the planet. General Practitioners, owing to their trusted positions and close patient relationships, can play a crucial role in addressing antimicrobial resistance within the framework of Planetary Health. The goal of our study was to examine General Practitioners' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the linkage of antimicrobial resistance with Planetary Health to understand their potential as agents of change in this domain. Materials and methods We conducted 19 guided interviews with General Practitioners from four different German federal states (August-September 2022). Participants were selected from the intervention group of the RedAres randomized controlled trial, a study designed to optimize therapy and prescribing practices for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in general practice. Data were analyzed using Mayring's structured qualitative content analysis and the typology approach by Kelle and Kluge. Results General Practitioners generally demonstrated the ability to identify the interlinkages between antimicrobial resistance and Planetary Health. However, they exhibited varying levels of knowledge, problem awareness, and accountability for the associated challenges and partially outsourced the responsibility for Planetary Health. Some General Practitioners were capable of integrating Planetary Health arguments into patient counseling. They recognized rational prescribing practice, self-reflection on antimicrobial resistance and Planetary Health, interprofessional exchange, and raising awareness among patients as potential avenues for engagement in promoting Planetary Health. Discussion As antimicrobial resistance is increasingly recognized as a Planetary Health challenge, empowering General Practitioners as change agents requires tailored measures based on their level of previous knowledge and their attitude toward Planetary Health. General Practitioners express a need for concrete advice on how to integrate antimicrobial resistance as a Planetary Health topic into their daily activities. Developing and evaluating adaptable training materials is essential. Additionally, the integration of Planetary Health outcomes into clinical guidelines could accelerate the adoption of this dimension in antibiotic prescribing practices within primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tigges
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of General Practice, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandra Greser
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Ildikó Gágyor
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Judith Kraft
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andy Maun
- Institute of General Practice/Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Guido Schmiemann
- Department of Health Service Research, Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Schwienhorst-Stich
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Working Group Climate and Planetary Health, University of Würzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Heintze
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of General Practice, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Schuster
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of General Practice, Berlin, Germany
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Bonnamy J, Levett-Jones T, Carr B, Lokmic-Tomkins Z, Maguire J, Catling C, Pich J, Fields L, Brand G. Australian and New Zealand nursing and midwifery educators' planetary health knowledge, views, confidence and teaching practices: A descriptive survey study. J Adv Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38973250 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16317] [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: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
AIM To explore Australian and New Zealand nursing and midwifery educators' planetary health knowledge, views, confidence and teaching practices. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey design. METHODS An online survey was sent to Australian and New Zealand nursing and midwifery educators across the 45 Schools of Nursing and Midwifery between July and September 2023. The online survey consisted of 29 open- and closed-ended questions about nursing and midwifery educators' planetary health knowledge, views, confidence and teaching practices. RESULTS There was a total of 127 responses to the first open-ended question. A total of 97 nursing and midwifery educators then completed the remaining questions. While educators had mostly positive views about integrating planetary health into their teaching, they lacked the knowledge and/or confidence to do so effectively. CONCLUSION Australian and New Zealand nursing and midwifery educators acknowledge that planetary health should be included in nursing and midwifery curricula, but most reported a deficit in knowledge and/or confidence to integrate these complex concepts into their teaching. When considering planetary health, most educators focussed on climate change, which demonstrates their limited understanding of the concept of planetary health. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION All nurses and midwives need to understand how the health of the planet and human civilization are interconnected and be prepared to address complex global health challenges now and in the future. Across the world, key healthcare organizations have called upon nursing and midwifery educators to prepare the healthcare workforce to practice in a more sustainable way, including supporting decarbonization of healthcare. However, our study has demonstrated that nursing and midwifery educators do not feel ready to respond due to a lack of required knowledge and/or confidence. REPORTING METHOD We used the Consensus-Based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Bonnamy
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sub-Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tracy Levett-Jones
- Health and Climate Initiative, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bethany Carr
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sub-Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zerina Lokmic-Tomkins
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sub-Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
- Health and Climate Initiative, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Maguire
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine Catling
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Pich
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lorraine Fields
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Brand
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sub-Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
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Lou A, Thoni A, Shandi N, Yang Z, Nassar BA, Elnenaei M. Effective stewardship strategies to enhance appropriateness of refer-out test requests in a Canadian tertiary centre laboratory. Clin Biochem 2024; 129:110777. [PMID: 38857837 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2024.110777] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Specialized testing conducted in reference laboratories is costly and often not optimally directed. Since 2016, our institution has worked to ensure the appropriateness of refer-out (RO) tests. We examine the impact of utilization initiatives on the patterns of requests and completed tests. DESIGN AND METHODS In 2016, 81 RO tests were selected for a more rigorous approval process. Physicians not pre-approved for testing received a prompt to consult with laboratory subject matter experts (SMEs) for further detail. After review, SMEs provided responses, approving or rejecting requests based on clinical relevance. Stewardship activities also included: repatriating tests locally, preferring Canadian over foreign institutions, unbundling tests, distributing educational memos, and introducing staged testing. We collected data on the number of requested (NoR) and number of completed (NoC) tests in 2015, before the implementation of the new vetting procedures, and for the post-implementation phase from 2016-2022. RESULTS For 62 targeted RO tests (including trace metals, vitamins, antibodies, and endocrine-related tests), there was a 33% reduction in NoR and a 51% reduction in NoC in 2022 compared to 2015. The total savings for the study period based on NoC was $807,736. The NoC rate for Neuronal antibody tests decreased to 48.6% in 2022, with cost savings of $17,123, and an additional $50,000 saved by changing the testing site. Insourcing apolipoprotein B and fecal calprotectin tests resulted in cost savings of $3,380 and $3,371, respectively, in 2022. CONCLUSIONS Automated messaging followed by a formal review of RO test requests is an effective utilization strategy that prevents redundant or clinically unjustified testing. This approach leads to significant economic savings and is expected to improve the efficiency of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Lou
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Andrea Thoni
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Nafisa Shandi
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Zhifeng Yang
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Bassam A Nassar
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Manal Elnenaei
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Huq M, English S, Nagginda HP, Bonifacio J, Deivanayagam TA, Issa R, Chobhthaigh SN, Sato PDM, Mulindwa H, Devakumar D. Developing a guide to climate & health justice education: Process and content. THE JOURNAL OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEALTH 2023; 9:100188. [PMID: 37588848 PMCID: PMC10425880 DOI: 10.1016/j.joclim.2022.100188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Climate justice and health education can address the disproportionate health impacts of climate change on minoritized communities by providing frameworks to build awareness and instigate action on climate-related health inequities. The Envisioning Environmental Equity Educator's Guide to Climate and Health Justice provides a framework for educators, activists and health professionals to lead lessons on health and climate justice that center the experiences of those Most Affected People and Areas (MAPA) by climate change. Collaborators in Brazil, the Philippines, and Uganda engaged in stakeholder meetings to assess priorities and needs about climate and health with policymakers, doctors, activists, and students. These meetings informed the product: An educator's guide to climate and health justice that explores their dynamics from an anti-racist, anti-colonial approach. The guide serves as a recommended lesson framework fit with concepts, examples, and activities for educators teaching in primary and secondary learning settings. It is an innovative climate and health justice educational resource that draws on principles of anti-colonialism, critical thinking and consciousness, and engaged pedagogy. It offers a strategy for climate justice communication that targets diverse audiences across climate, health and social contexts by promoting educational approaches that center MAPA experiences, fit for diverse audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mita Huq
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Sonora English
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | - Jon Bonifacio
- Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines, College of Science Library, P. Velasquez Street, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Thilagawathi Abi Deivanayagam
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, UK
| | - Rita Issa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | - Priscila de Morais Sato
- School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hans Mulindwa
- Climate Operation Ltd, Kisaasi-Kyanja Road, P.O Box 37705, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Delan Devakumar
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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Wabnitz K, Schwienhorst-Stich EM, Asbeck F, Fellmann CS, Gepp S, Leberl J, Mezger NCS, Eichinger M. National Planetary Health learning objectives for Germany: A steppingstone for medical education to promote transformative change. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1093720. [PMID: 36937826 PMCID: PMC10015604 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1093720] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Physicians play an important role in adapting to and mitigating the adverse health effects of the unfolding climate and ecological crises. To fully harness this potential, future physicians need to acquire knowledge, values, skills, and leadership attributes to care for patients presenting with environmental change-related conditions and to initiate and propel transformative change in healthcare and other sectors of society including, but not limited to, the decarbonization of healthcare systems, the transition to renewable energies and the transformation of transport and food systems. Despite the potential of Planetary Health Education (PHE) to support medical students in becoming agents of change, best-practice examples of mainstreaming PHE in medical curricula remain scarce both in Germany and internationally. The process of revising and updating the Medical Licensing Regulations and the National Competency-based Catalog of Learning Objectives for Medical Education in Germany provided a window of opportunity to address this implementation challenge. In this article, we describe the development and content of national Planetary Health learning objectives for Germany. We anticipate that the learning objectives will stimulate the development and implementation of innovative Planetary Health teaching, learning and exam formats in medical schools and inform similar initiatives in other health professions. The availability of Planetary Health learning objectives in other countries will provide opportunities for cross-country and interdisciplinary exchange of experiences and validation of content, thus supporting the consolidation of Planetary Health learning objectives and the improvement of PHE for all health professionals globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Wabnitz
- Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Planetary Health Policy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Schwienhorst-Stich
- Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Teaching Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Medical Teaching and Medical Education Research, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Eva-Maria Schwienhorst-Stich
| | - Franziska Asbeck
- Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cara Sophie Fellmann
- Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sophie Gepp
- Centre for Planetary Health Policy, Berlin, Germany
- German Alliance on Climate Change and Health, Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Nikolaus Christian Simon Mezger
- Centre for Planetary Health Policy, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Eichinger
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Epidemiology, Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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