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Leap SR, Soled DR, Sampath V, Nadeau KC. Effects of extreme weather on health in underserved communities. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024; 133:20-27. [PMID: 38648975 PMCID: PMC11222027 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2024.04.018] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Increased fossil fuel use has increased carbon dioxide concentrations leading to global warming and climate change with increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, wildfires, droughts, and heat waves. These changes increase the risk of adverse health effects for all human beings. However, these experiences do not affect everyone equally. Underserved communities, including people of color, the elderly, people living with chronic conditions, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, have greater vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. These vulnerabilities are a result of multiple factors such as disparities in health care, lower educational status, and systemic racism. These social inequities are exacerbated by extreme weather events, which act as threat multipliers increasing disparities in health outcomes. It is clear that without human action, these global temperatures will continue to increase to unbearable levels creating an existential crisis. There is now global consensus that climate change is caused by anthropogenic activity and that actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change are urgently needed. The 2015 Paris Accord was the first truly global commitment that set goals to limit further warming. It also aimed to implement equity in action, founded on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Meeting these goals requires individual, community, organizational, national, and global cooperation. Health care professionals, often in the frontline with firsthand knowledge of the health impacts of climate change, can play a key role in advocating for just and equitable climate change adaptation and mitigation policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotheany R Leap
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Derek R Soled
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vanitha Sampath
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kari C Nadeau
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
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2
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Sisodiya SM, Gulcebi MI, Fortunato F, Mills JD, Haynes E, Bramon E, Chadwick P, Ciccarelli O, David AS, De Meyer K, Fox NC, Davan Wetton J, Koltzenburg M, Kullmann DM, Kurian MA, Manji H, Maslin MA, Matharu M, Montgomery H, Romanello M, Werring DJ, Zhang L, Friston KJ, Hanna MG. Climate change and disorders of the nervous system. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:636-648. [PMID: 38760101 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00087-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is affecting people's health, including those with neurological and psychiatric diseases. Currently, making inferences about the effect of climate change on neurological and psychiatric diseases is challenging because of an overall sparsity of data, differing study methods, paucity of detail regarding disease subtypes, little consideration of the effect of individual and population genetics, and widely differing geographical locations with the potential for regional influences. However, evidence suggests that the incidence, prevalence, and severity of many nervous system conditions (eg, stroke, neurological infections, and some mental health disorders) can be affected by climate change. The data show broad and complex adverse effects, especially of temperature extremes to which people are unaccustomed and wide diurnal temperature fluctuations. Protective measures might be possible through local forecasting. Few studies project the future effects of climate change on brain health, hindering policy developments. Robust studies on the threats from changing climate for people who have, or are at risk of developing, disorders of the nervous system are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay M Sisodiya
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK.
| | - Medine I Gulcebi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - Francesco Fortunato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - James D Mills
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - Ethan Haynes
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - Elvira Bramon
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Chadwick
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; National Institute of Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Anthony S David
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kris De Meyer
- UCL Climate Action Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nick C Fox
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Department of the UK Dementia Research Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Martin Koltzenburg
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dimitri M Kullmann
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Hadi Manji
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Mark A Maslin
- Department of Geography, University College London, London, UK; Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Manjit Matharu
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Hugh Montgomery
- Department of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marina Romanello
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - David J Werring
- Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Zhang
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Karl J Friston
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael G Hanna
- Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; MRC International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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Muro A, Czajkowski S, Hall KL, Neta G, Weaver SJ, D'Angelo H. Climate Change Harm Perception Among U.S. Adults in the NCI Health Information National Trends Survey, 2022. Am J Health Promot 2024; 38:625-632. [PMID: 38233070 DOI: 10.1177/08901171241228339] [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] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine associations between 1) sociodemographics and 2) trust in health information sources with climate change harm perception. METHODS Weighted adjusted logistic regression models examined correlates of climate change harm perception (harm vs no harm/don't know) among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (2022, n = 5585). RESULTS Sixty-four percent of U.S. adults believed climate change will harm their health. College education (vs high school or less) (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3, 2.2) and having greater trust in doctors (AOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.7), scientists (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6, 2.0), and government health agencies (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5, 1.9) for health information were associated with believing climate change harms health. Conversely, greater trust in religious organizations was associated with 16% lower odds of believing climate change harms health (95% CI .74, .94). CONCLUSIONS Climate change harm perception varied by sociodemographics and trust in health information source. Health communication delivered via alternative and diverse channels could expand the reach of climate and health messaging and ultimately increase public awareness and support for measures to mitigate the health impacts of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Muro
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Susan Czajkowski
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Kara L Hall
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Gila Neta
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Sallie J Weaver
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Heather D'Angelo
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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Ahdoot S, Baum CR, Cataletto MB, Hogan P, Wu CB, Bernstein A. Climate Change and Children's Health: Building a Healthy Future for Every Child. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023065504. [PMID: 38374809 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-065504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The warming of our planet matters to every child. Driven by fossil fuel-generated greenhouse gas emissions, climate conditions stable since the founding of modern pediatrics in the mid-nineteenth century have shifted, and old certainties are falling away. Children's physical and mental health are threatened by climate change through its effects on temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather; ecological disruption; and community disruption. These impacts expose and amplify existing inequities and create unprecedented intergenerational injustice. Fossil fuel extraction and combustion cause harm today and reach centuries into the future, jeopardizing the health, safety, and prosperity of today's children and future generations. Appreciating the unique vulnerability of their patients, pediatricians have become leading health advocates for climate actions necessary to protect all living and future children. Policies that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote cleaner air, facilitate walking and bicycling, encourage more sustainable diets, increase access to nature, and develop more connected communities lead to immediate gains in child health and equity, and build a foundation for generations of children to thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Ahdoot
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Carl R Baum
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mary Bono Cataletto
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, New York
| | - Patrick Hogan
- Pediatric Residency Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Christina B Wu
- O'Neill Center for Global and National Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Aaron Bernstein
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, and Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Swärdh E, Brodin N, Pettersson A, Palstam A. Time to Rethink Intended Learning Outcomes for Sustainable Development? A Qualitative Exploration and Reflection of Course Syllabuses in Swedish Undergraduate Physiotherapy Education. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT 2024; 11:23821205241260599. [PMID: 39092289 PMCID: PMC11292048 DOI: 10.1177/23821205241260599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several calls to action for the implementation of education for sustainable development in health profession education have been put forth during the last few years. The aim was therefore to explore and describe sustainability-focused intended learning outcomes (SD-ILOs) in curricula of undergraduate physiotherapy education in Sweden. METHODS Using a deductive, descriptive, and qualitative approach, SD-ILOs in programs (n = 8) and course syllabuses (n = 143) from eight higher education institutions providing physiotherapy undergraduate education in Sweden were analyzed. SD-ILOs were described based on the subject content or condition, level of cognitive processes, sustainability learning dimensions, and key sustainability competencies. RESULTS Six of the eight physiotherapy programs provided course syllabuses with SD-ILOs. However, only 3% (n = 36) of all ILOs were sustainability-focused. A larger part of the SD-ILOs, 78% (n = 28) was described within the cognitive dimension of learning, and 80% (n = 27) were linked to either the cognitive process 'understanding' or 'analyzing'. The most frequently identified key competency in the SD-ILOs was 'systems-thinking' n = 10 (28%), and 30% (n = 11) lacked key competency. CONCLUSION There is an urgent need for rapid initiatives to enhance sustainable development education in Swedish undergraduate physiotherapy education. Pedagogical approaches that cover not only cognitive dimensions of learning for sustainable development but also socio-emotional and behavioral dimensions, as well as more complex cognitive learning processes must also be developed. The current lack of key sustainability competencies further emphasizes the necessity to enrich physiotherapy curricula with action-oriented learning to develop powerful future sustainability agency within healthcare and the public health arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Swärdh
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Health Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Nina Brodin
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Health Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Orthopaedics, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Pettersson
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Health Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Annie Palstam
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Albrecht L, Reismann L, Leitzmann M, Bernardi C, von Sommoggy J, Weber A, Jochem C. Climate-specific health literacy in health professionals: an exploratory study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1236319. [PMID: 37928468 PMCID: PMC10622978 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1236319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Health professionals such as physicians and nurses may play an important role in the transformation process towards a healthy, sustainable and climate-sensitive society. However, little is known about their climate-specific health literacy. This study aimed to assess knowledge regarding climate change and its impacts on health and climate-specific health literacy in health professionals. Methods In July/August 2022, a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was carried out at the University Hospital Regensburg, Germany, to assess climate-specific health literacy in nurses and physicians from various clinical specialties. Descriptive and exploratory statistical analyses were performed. Results The study population consisted of 142 participants (57.7% women; response rate: 24,7%). Most participants (93%) considered climate change to be highly relevant. However, only 12% of respondents stated to be very well informed regarding the general consequences of climate change. Although 57% of all participants had never mentioned climate change in relation to health to their patients, participants with higher levels of knowledge regarding the effects of climate change were more likely to mention it compared to those with lower levels of knowledge. The most frequently stated obstacle to integrate the topic of climate change in clinical work was lack of time during work (79%), not enough information (42%) and lacking materials (39%). Differences between health professions were apparent. Conclusion The results of our survey suggest that the current state of climate-specific health literacy differs between different groups of health professionals. There is a need to improve health professionals' levels of climate-specific health literacy and to increase the potential in interprofessional cooperation regarding planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Albrecht
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lydia Reismann
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Leitzmann
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christine Bernardi
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Medical Sociology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julia von Sommoggy
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Medical Sociology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- University Children’s Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), University of Regensburg, Klinik St. Hedwig, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Weber
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Carmen Jochem
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, 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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Speck CL, DiPietro Mager NA, Mager JN. Pharmacists' perception of climate change and its impact on health. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:1162-1167. [PMID: 37031955 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2023.04.004] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study's primary objective was to assess pharmacists' knowledge and beliefs regarding climate change and health. Secondary objectives included assessing perceptions of its relevance to pharmacists and pharmacy practice as well as potential roles in mitigating climate change. METHODS An 18-question, anonymous survey was developed using questions adapted from previously published surveys that evaluated the general public's views of international issues and health professionals' perceptions of climate change and health, with additions specific to the Midwestern United States and Ohio. It was sent electronically to a random sample of 500 registered pharmacists living and working in Ohio. Data were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics. RESULTS Seventy pharmacists participated in the study. The majority of respondents (78.3%) believed climate change is happening. More respondents recognized climate change to be a great or moderate threat to human health worldwide (72.7%) than to patients in their community (45.4%; P < .001). A little more than half (54.5%) thought climate change was relevant to pharmacy practice. Perceived barriers that reduced willingness to communicate with the public about this topic included lack of time (73.4%) or knowledge (49.2%) and feeling that it would not make a difference (46.1%) or it is too controversial (35.4%). Respondents believed pharmacists could have the greatest impact through increasing sustainability in the health care system (48.5%). CONCLUSION Most respondents recognized that climate change is happening, is a threat to human health worldwide, and is relevant to pharmacy. However, many did not recognize its potential impact on their own patients or their role in climate action, showing a need for more education on this topic. As these are the first data collected among pharmacists in the United States, additional studies should be performed in other parts of the country as opinions may vary based on personal experience with or exposure to impacts of climate change.
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Littler K, Sheather J, Singh J, Wright K. Why climate change health policy needs ethics to achieve health equity and climate justice-a call to action. BMJ 2023; 381:1368. [PMID: 37339784 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.p1368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Littler
- Health Ethics and Governance Unit, Research for Health Department, Science Division, World Health Organization
| | | | - Jerome Singh
- Howard College School of Law, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Academy of Science of South Africa, South Africa
- Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE), Academy of Science of
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Yadav A, Pacheco SE. Prebirth effects of climate change on children's respiratory health. Curr Opin Pediatr 2023; 35:344-349. [PMID: 36974440 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To date, there is no evidence that humanity will implement appropriate mitigation measures to avoid the catastrophic impact of climate change on the planet and human health. Vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children will be the most affected. This review highlights epidemiologic data on climate change-related prenatal environmental exposures affecting the fetus and children's respiratory health. RECENT FINDINGS Research on outcomes of prenatal exposure to climate change-related environmental changes and pediatric pulmonary health is limited. In addition to adverse pregnancy outcomes known to affect lung development, changes in lung function, increased prevalence of wheezing, atopy, and respiratory infections have been associated with prenatal exposure to increased temperatures, air pollution, and maternal stress. The mechanisms behind these changes are ill-defined, although oxidative stress, impaired placental functioning, and epigenetic modifications have been observed. However, the long-term impact of these changes remains unknown. SUMMARY The detrimental impact of the climate crisis on pediatric respiratory health begins before birth, highlighting the inherent vulnerability of pregnant women and children. Research and advocacy, along with mitigation and adaptation measures, must be implemented to protect pregnant women and children, the most affected but the least responsible for the climate crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravind Yadav
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
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Fülbert H, Schäfer LN, Gerspacher LM, Bösner S, Schut C, Krolewski R, Knipper M. Elective course "Climate-sensitive health counselling" - prevention as an opportunity for people and planet? An interactive, student-led project focusing on prevention and agency in physician's climate communication. GMS JOURNAL FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 40:Doc34. [PMID: 37377566 PMCID: PMC10291343 DOI: 10.3205/zma001616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective According to the WHO, anthropogenic climate change poses the greatest threat to human health in the 21st century. However, the link between climate change and human health is not an integral part of medical education in Germany. Within a student-led project, an elective clinical course was designed and successfully implemented, which has been made accessible to undergraduate medical students at the Universities of Giessen and Marburg. The implementation and didactic concept are explained in this article. Methodology In a participatory format, knowledge is imparted using an action-based, transformative approach. Topics discussed are, amongst others, interactions of climate change and health, transformative action, and health behavior, as well as "green hospital" and the simulation of a "climate-sensitive health counselling". Lecturers from different disciplines within and beyond medicine are invited as speakers. Results Overall, the elective was evaluated positively by the participants. The fact that there is a high demand among students for participation in the elective, as well as for the transfer of concepts underlines the need for including this topic into medical education. The implementation and further development of the concept at two universities with different study regulations demonstrates its adaptability. Conclusion Medical education can raise awareness of the multiple health consequences of the climate crisis, can have a sensitizing and transformative effect on various levels, and can promote climate-sensitive action ability in patient care. In the long term, however, these positive consequences can only be guaranteed by including mandatory education on climate change and health in medical curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Fülbert
- Justus Liebig University Giessen, Medical Faculty, Giessen, Germany
- Health for Future Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Louis N. Schäfer
- Philipps University Marburg, Medical Faculty, Marburg, Germany
- Health for Future Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Laura M. Gerspacher
- Justus Liebig University Giessen, Medical Faculty, Giessen, Germany
- Health for Future Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Bösner
- Philipps University Marburg, Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christina Schut
- Justus Liebig University Giessen, Institute of Medical Psychology, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ralph Krolewski
- Academic teaching practice of the University of Cologne, Gummersbach, Germany
| | - Michael Knipper
- Justus Liebig University Giessen, Institute for History of Medicine, Giessen, Germany
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12
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Simon J, Parisi S, Wabnitz K, Simmenroth A, Schwienhorst-Stich EM. Ten characteristics of high-quality planetary health education-Results from a qualitative study with educators, students as educators and study deans at medical schools in Germany. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1143751. [PMID: 37181714 PMCID: PMC10166869 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1143751] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim The climate and ecological crises are considered fundamental threats to human health. Healthcare workers in general and doctors in particular can contribute as change agents in mitigation and adaptation. Planetary health education (PHE) aims to harness this potential. This study explores perspectives among stakeholders involved in PHE at German medical schools on the characteristics of high-quality PHE and compares them to existing PHE frameworks. Methods In 2021, we conducted a qualitative interview study with stakeholders from German medical schools involved in PHE. Three different groups were eligible: faculty members, medical students actively involved in PHE, and study deans of medical schools. Recruitment was performed through national PHE networks and snowball sampling. Thematic qualitative text analysis according to Kuckartz was used for the analysis. Results were systematically compared to three existing PHE frameworks. Results A total of 20 participants (13 female) from 15 different medical schools were interviewed. Participants covered a wide range of professional backgrounds and experience in PHE education. The analysis revealed ten key themes: (1) Complexity and systems thinking, (2) inter- and transdisciplinarity, (3) ethical dimension, (4) responsibility of health professionals, (5) transformative competencies including practical skills, (6) space for reflection and resilience building, (7) special role of students, (8) need for curricular integration, (9) innovative and proven didactic methods, and (10) education as a driver of innovation. Six of our themes showed substantial overlap with existing PHE frameworks. Two of our themes were only mentioned in one of the frameworks, and two others were not explicitly mentioned. Few important elements of the frameworks did not emerge from our data. Conclusions In the light of increased attention regarding the connections of the climate and ecological crises and health, our results can be useful for anyone working toward the integration of planetary health into medical schools' and any health professions' curricula and should be considered when designing and implementing new educational activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Simon
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Parisi
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Anne Simmenroth
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Schwienhorst-Stich
- Department of General Practice/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
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Green S, Labine N, Luo OD, Vipond J, Moloo H, Bouka A, Thoma B. Planetary Health in CanMEDS 2025. CANADIAN MEDICAL EDUCATION JOURNAL 2023; 14:46-49. [PMID: 36998490 PMCID: PMC10042797 DOI: 10.36834/cmej.75438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Aimee Bouka
- University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada
- McGill University, Quebec, Canada
- University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brent Thoma
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada
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14
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Winquist A, Schenk EC, Cook C, Demorest S, Burduli E. Climate, Health, and Nursing Tool (CHANT): A confirmatory factor analysis. Public Health Nurs 2023; 40:306-312. [PMID: 36519942 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To confirm the factor structure of the Climate, Health, and Nursing Tool (CHANT) tool via confirmatory factor analysis. DESIGN AND SAMPLE This is a cross-sectional analysis of voluntary, anonymous responses collected online in 2019, from a non-representative sample of 489 nurses from 12 nations with 95% of the respondents from the United States. MEASUREMENTS A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to test a five-factor measurement model of the 22-item CHANT. Reliability was examined via Cronbach's α coefficient. RESULTS The five CHANT subscales demonstrated acceptable reliability with Cronbach's α ranging from 0.67 to 0.91. The five-factor model of CHANT demonstrated good fit, x2 (199) = 582.747, p < .001, CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.06, and SRMR = 0.04 with statistically significant item-factor loadings. CONCLUSION CHANT is a reliable and robust instrument to measure nurses' awareness, concern, motivation, and home and work behaviors regarding climate change and health, and is ready to be utilized in research, policy, professional settings, and among educators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Winquist
- College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
| | - Elizabeth C Schenk
- College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
- Providence St. Joseph Health, Renton, Washington
| | - Cara Cook
- Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Mt. Rainier, Maryland
| | | | - Ekaterina Burduli
- College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington
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15
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Katzman JG, Herring D, Wheat S, Groves RJ, Kazhe-Dominguez B, Martin C, Norsworthy K, Liu J, Lord S, Tomedi LE. Climate Change ECHO: Telementoring to Improve Climate Literacy for Health Professionals. AJPM FOCUS 2023; 2:100051. [PMID: 37789933 PMCID: PMC10546522 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2022.100051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Climate change is a global public health crisis. Most clinicians and public health professionals do not receive adequate education to manage and communicate climate-related health impacts to their patients. Methods From July 2021 to February 2022, the Project ECHO Climate Change and Human Health program completed 22 weekly trainings for health professionals. These virtual telementoring sessions were designed to improve both knowledge and self-efficacy about climate-related health impacts and climate change‒related communication skills. Results Between July 2021 and February 2022, a total of 804 unique participants (from 44 states and 25 countries) attended the sessions. Participants were nurses (24.7%), physicians (16.8%), and public health professionals (8.5%). They completed weekly Zoom polls measuring their knowledge and self-efficacy. On average, participants strongly agreed or agreed that they had learned skills taught in each session (average percentage of those who strongly agreed or agreed=94.6%, range=66.7%-100.0%). Participants (31%) also completed a weekly postsession survey. A total of 91% rated the sessions as excellent or very good regarding evidenced-basis, and 89% rated sessions as excellent or very good regarding improved communication skills with patients and colleagues. Conclusions Given the global climate crisis, the Climate Change and Human Health ECHO is successfully building resources and capacity for clinicians and public health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna G. Katzman
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Project ECHO, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - David Herring
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Stefan Wheat
- Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Ralph J. Groves
- Office of Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Public Health Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | | | - Chamron Martin
- Project ECHO, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Kent Norsworthy
- Project ECHO, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Jinyang Liu
- Project ECHO, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Sabrina Lord
- Presbyterian Health System, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Laura E. Tomedi
- Project ECHO, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- College of Population Health, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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16
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Campbell E, Uppalapati SS, Kotcher J, Maibach E. Communication research to improve engagement with climate change and human health: A review. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1086858. [PMID: 36777765 PMCID: PMC9909232 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1086858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of the world's dependence on fossil fuels, climate change and air pollution are profoundly harming both human and planetary health. Fortunately, climate solutions are also health solutions, and they present both local and global opportunities to foster cleaner, healthier, and safer communities. In this review, we briefly discuss the human health harms of climate change, climate and health solutions, and provide a thorough synthesis of social science research on climate and health communication. Through our review, we found that social science research provides an evidence-based foundation for messaging strategies that can build public and political will for climate and health solutions. Specifically, messages that convey the health harms of climate change and highlight the health benefits of climate solutions may be especially effective in building this public and political will. We also found that health professionals are trusted sources of information about climate change, and many have shown interest in engaging with the public and policymakers about the health relevance of climate change and clean energy. Together, the alignment between message strategies and the interest of highly trusted messengers strongly suggests the potential of health students and health professionals to create the conditions necessary to address climate change as a public health imperative. Therefore, our review serves as a resource for those interested in communicating about climate change and health and suggests that social scientists can continue to support practitioners with research and advice on the most effective communication strategies.
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17
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Schmeltz MT, Ganesh C. Improving the capacity and diversity of local public health workforce to address climate impacts to health through community partnerships and problem-based learning. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1090129. [PMID: 36743166 PMCID: PMC9891370 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1090129] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
All aspects of society are affected by our changing climate. Individuals and communities experience the health impacts associated with climate change most every day, whether or not they realize it. Increasing both the knowledge and capacity to respond to the health impacts of climate change will be imperative for future public health leaders. This manuscript will highlight three case studies in how problem-based learning was used by California State University, East Bay's Department of Public Health undergraduate students to address climate change issues for local community and government organizations. The results from problem-based learning collaborations between undergraduate students and community and government organizations have been mutually beneficial and increased the knowledge and workforce capacity of climate and health in the San Francisco Bay Area. The authors believe the use of problem-based learning is an effective model to achieve these goals. Both the students and the community benefit from these experiences and results of projects that enhance an organization's ability to prepare for and respond to climate change in their communities.
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18
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Schenk E, Johnson S. Nurse-sensitive environmental indicators: A qualitative study. J Nurs Manag 2022; 30:4378-4386. [PMID: 36205698 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13861] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aims to explore the proposed concept of "nurse-sensitive environmental indicators" among nursing and non-nursing leaders of environmental stewardship who work with nurses. BACKGROUND Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, nurses are obligated to "practice in a manner that advances environmental safety and health." Little is known about environmental impacts in acute-care nursing. METHODS Nursing and non-nursing leaders of environmental stewardship across the United States (N = 9) were interviewed to explore the concept of acute-care nurse-sensitive environmental indicators. Transcripts were examined using qualitative descriptive analysis. RESULTS Thematic analysis revealed that nurses are in key positions to influence environmental change, need more education and awareness to be effective, and need leadership support and role-modelling. Issues related to waste were highly nurse sensitive; issues related to food, chemicals, and transportation were moderately nurse sensitive; issues related to energy and water were minimally nurse sensitive. CONCLUSION Preliminary consensus on nurse-sensitive environmental indicators was confirmed by leader participants in this study. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT To help meet environmentally focused Sustainable Development Goals, nursing leaders can use the concept of nurse-sensitive environmental indicators in planning, education, resource allocation, and leadership to improve environmental stewardship in acute care nursing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Johnson
- Providence St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula, Montana, USA
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Edmondson
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NY, USA
| | | | - Renee N Salas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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20
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Golembeski C, Méndez M. Only One Earth
: Global health and climate justice on world environment day and beyond. WORLD MEDICAL & HEALTH POLICY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wmh3.526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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21
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Yglesias-González M, Palmeiro-Silva Y, Sergeeva M, Cortés S, Hurtado-Epstein A, Buss DF, Hartinger SM. Code Red for Health response in Latin America and the Caribbean: Enhancing peoples' health through climate action. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 11:100248. [PMID: 36778928 PMCID: PMC9903933 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Yglesias-González
- Latin American Centre of Excellence for Climate Change and Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martín de Porres, Lima 15102, Peru
| | - Yasna Palmeiro-Silva
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, UK
- Centro de Políticas Públicas UC, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Milena Sergeeva
- Liaison Officer for LAC, Global Climate and Health Alliance, USA
| | - Sandra Cortés
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases, Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | | | - Daniel F. Buss
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stella M. Hartinger
- Latin American Centre of Excellence for Climate Change and Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martín de Porres, Lima 15102, Peru
- Corresponding author.
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22
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Katzman JG, Tomedi LE, Herring D, Jones H, Groves R, Norsworthy K, Martin C, Liu J, Kazhe-Dominguez B, Arora S. Educating Community Health Professionals About the Health-Related Effects of Climate Change Through ECHO Telementoring. J Prim Care Community Health 2022; 13:21501319221102033. [PMID: 35603993 PMCID: PMC9134393 DOI: 10.1177/21501319221102033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Climate change is a global public health emergency causing extensive morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although most large medical organizations endorse the need to train health care professionals in climate change, such trainings are not readily available. METHODS This article describes the results of an 8-week, 75-min per week, Climate Change and Human Health ECHO (CCHH ECHO) synchronous telementoring course for post-licensure health professionals. The primary goals were: to increase knowledge, self-efficacy, and communication skills. Participants were eligible to receive up to 10 h of no-cost continuing education credits and a certificate for completing the program. RESULTS The 8-week course included 625 unique participants from 25 countries. An interprofessional group of clinicians, health professionals, and educators included: 130/28% PhD, 92/20% MD/DO, 52/12% RN/NP/PA, 50/11% MPH. The prospective survey demonstrated a significant improvement in knowledge, confidence, attitudes (P < .001) and communication skills (P = .029) at 3 months post course. CONCLUSIONS The climate crisis is a public health emergency, and health professionals worldwide are considered the most trusted source of health information. Training current and future health professionals regarding the health-related effects of global warming is vital. The CCHH ECHO may be a successful model to facilitate knowledge transfer and promote communication skills between subject matter experts and course participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Herring
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Hunter Jones
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Ralph Groves
- Office of Assistant Secretary for
Indian Affairs, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | | | - Jinyang Liu
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque,
NM, USA
| | | | - Sanjeev Arora
- University of New Mexico Health
Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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23
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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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Mailloux NA, Henegan CP, Lsoto D, Patterson KP, West PC, Foley JA, Patz JA. Climate Solutions Double as Health Interventions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:13339. [PMID: 34948948 PMCID: PMC8705042 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The climate crisis threatens to exacerbate numerous climate-sensitive health risks, including heatwave mortality, malnutrition from reduced crop yields, water- and vector-borne infectious diseases, and respiratory illness from smog, ozone, allergenic pollen, and wildfires. Recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stress the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change, underscoring the need for more scientific assessment of the benefits of climate action for health and wellbeing. Project Drawdown has analyzed more than 80 solutions to address climate change, building on existing technologies and practices, that could be scaled to collectively limit warming to between 1.5° and 2 °C above preindustrial levels. The solutions span nine major sectors and are aggregated into three groups: reducing the sources of emissions, maintaining and enhancing carbon sinks, and addressing social inequities. Here we present an overview of how climate solutions in these three areas can benefit human health through improved air quality, increased physical activity, healthier diets, reduced risk of infectious disease, and improved sexual and reproductive health, and universal education. We find that the health benefits of a low-carbon society are more substantial and more numerous than previously realized and should be central to policies addressing climate change. Much of the existing literature focuses on health effects in high-income countries, however, and more research is needed on health and equity implications of climate solutions, especially in the Global South. We conclude that adding the myriad health benefits across multiple climate change solutions can likely add impetus to move climate policies faster and further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Mailloux
- Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA; (N.A.M.); (C.P.H.); (D.L.)
| | - Colleen P. Henegan
- Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA; (N.A.M.); (C.P.H.); (D.L.)
| | - Dorothy Lsoto
- Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA; (N.A.M.); (C.P.H.); (D.L.)
| | | | - Paul C. West
- Project Drawdown, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA; (K.P.P.); (P.C.W.); (J.A.F.)
- Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Foley
- Project Drawdown, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA; (K.P.P.); (P.C.W.); (J.A.F.)
| | - Jonathan A. Patz
- Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA; (N.A.M.); (C.P.H.); (D.L.)
- Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
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25
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Dobson J, Cook S, Frumkin H, Haines A, Abbasi K. Accelerating climate action: the role of health professionals. BMJ 2021; 375:n2425. [PMID: 34615651 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n2425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Philipsborn RP, Cowenhoven J, Bole A, Balk SJ, Bernstein A. A pediatrician's guide to climate change-informed primary care. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2021; 51:101027. [PMID: 34244061 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2021.101027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the urgency of the climate crisis and mounting evidence linking climate change to child health harms, pediatricians do not routinely engage with climate change in the office. Each primary care visit offers opportunities to screen for and support children burdened with risks to health that are increasingly intense due to climate change. Routine promotion of healthy behaviors also aligns with some needed-and powerful-solutions to the climate crisis. For some patients, including those engaged in athletics, those with asthma and allergies, or those with complex healthcare needs, preparedness for environmental risks and disasters worsened by climate change is a critical component of disease prevention and management. For all patients, anticipatory guidance topics that are already mainstays of pediatric best practices are related closely to needed guidance to keep children safe and promote health in the setting of compounding risks due to climate change. By considering climate change in routine care, pediatricians will be updating practice to align with evidence-based literature and better serving patients. This article provides a framework for pediatricians to provide climate-informed primary care during the structure of pediatric well child and other visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Pass Philipsborn
- Division of General Pediatrics and Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Julia Cowenhoven
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, and Department of Pediatrics, Boston University, 401 Park Drive, 4th Floor West, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Aparna Bole
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Sophie J Balk
- Division of Academic General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Aaron Bernstein
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA and Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States.
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Katzman JG, Herring D, Schramm P, Tomedi L, Maury JM, Kalishman S, Kazhe-Dominguez B, Liu J, Martin C, Arora S. Climate Change and Human Health ECHO: Global Telementoring for Health Professionals. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT 2021; 8:23821205211061019. [PMID: 34869905 PMCID: PMC8637707 DOI: 10.1177/23821205211061019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To increase the knowledge and communication skills of health professionals related to climate change and human health (CCHH). METHODS From February to April 2021, Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) created an 8-week, synchronous and virtual, CCHH ECHO telementoring series for health professionals. Didactics, simulated cases, and climate change tools were used to educate the interprofessional group of participants. RESULTS During this CCHH ECHO pilot series, 625 unique participants represented 45 US states and 25 countries. The participants reported that they increased their knowledge, skills, and communication techniques regarding climate change and health. CONCLUSIONS The human health effects of climate change is an emerging field, and increasing knowledge and communication skills among health practitioners is of critical importance. The CCHH ECHO is one potential platform that may reach a diverse community of health professionals globally due to the diffusion and demonopolization of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna G Katzman
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New
Mexico, USA
| | - David Herring
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring,
Maryland, USA
| | - Paul Schramm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia,
USA
| | - Laura Tomedi
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New
Mexico, USA
| | | | - Summers Kalishman
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New
Mexico, USA
| | | | - Jinyang Liu
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New
Mexico, USA
| | - Chamron Martin
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New
Mexico, USA
| | - Sanjeev Arora
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New
Mexico, USA
| |
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