Broad spectrum integration of climate change in health sciences curricula

Climate change perceptions among nursing students: A comparative study between Finland and the United States

INTRODUCTION

Nurses play a key role in combating climate change-related health risks by promoting adaptation and mitigation strategies. Their efforts are essential in educating patients and communities about the health impacts of climate change and sustainable healthcare practices. Nursing curricula are evolving to include climate change and sustainability. The goal is to prepare future nurses to effectively address climate change factors affecting health and to support the transition towards more sustainable healthcare systems.

AIM

To study the perceptions of nursing students in Finland and the United States (U.S.) regarding climate change, focusing on their awareness and attitudes.

DESIGN

A quantitative, cross-sectional study.

METHOD

In this study climate change awareness, concern, motivation, and behavior patterns of Finnish and U.S nursing students were surveyed and analyzed. Data were collected from an online survey using the Climate Health and Nursing Tool (CHANT). The data were collected from Finnish students (n = 351) from February to June 2023 and for comparison we examined data collected from U.S. (n = 352) in 2022. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS program.

RESULTS

U.S. nursing students were found to have higher factor loadings, indicating a stronger connection between the measured factors and their related concepts compared to Finnish nursing students. Finnish students also received good factor loadings, but differences appeared in the correlations between awareness, concern, and motivation, and in the consistency of behavior at home and at work.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from study indicate that U.S. students have higher overall awareness but weaker links between awareness and workplace behavior, whereas Finnish nursing students show more consistent behavior both personally and professionally. Nursing faculty could use this knowledge to engage nursing students in learning about the impact of climate change on human health and prepare future nurses to meet challenges of climate change on patient populations.

"We are not ready for this": physicians' perceptions on climate change information and adaptation strategies - qualitative study in Portugal

Background

Climate change presents several challenges to public health and its professionals. This article aims to fill a significant gap in the current literature by understanding physicians' perceptions of their role in educating others about health adaptation to climate change. It also explores their knowledge of health policies related to this issue in Portugal and their perceived influence on the development of adaptation policies at both local and national levels within the health sector.

Methods

To this end, we applied a qualitative and case study approach, interviewing 13 physicians in Portugal, including general practitioners and specialists. The data was collected using a semi-structured interview script, and a content analysis was performed to categorize the responses and gain a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

Results

The main results of this study highlight the need for a more systematic approach to training physicians, including the relationship between climate change and health. Concerning policies, this research highlights the need for more consistent communication and precise guidelines for dealing with the impacts of climate change on public health.

Conclusion

As the first exploratory study focusing on Portuguese physicians, this research provides unique insights into their views on the potential to influence patient behavior and health policy. Importantly, it offers valuable recommendations for health policy strategies, particularly in awareness-raising and training plans for these professionals, thereby demonstrating the research's practical implications.

Climate change integration in nursing education: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

The environmental impacts of climate change such as extreme weather, affects human physical and mental health; therefore, including climate change and health is important in nursing education. Despite the recognition of the link between climate change and health, this important knowledge has not yet been systematically integrated into nursing curricula, highlighting the need for immediate action to prepare nurses for these emerging human health challenges.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to gain an overview of the existing literature exploring climate change in nursing curricula and answer following questions: DESIGN: Scoping review.

METHODS

A protocol was created and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist (PRISMA-SrC). Five data bases were searched: CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, PubMed, Scopus and Cochraine, in addition to databases, grey literature was searched from different sources (reference lists, Google). A total of 1055 articles were derived from the search and 47 articles were included in this review. After selection results from selected studies on educational interventions and climate change education, and opinion pieces were charted, followed by a team review and consensus on the findings.

CONCLUSION

This review shows the importance of integrating the topic of climate change into nursing curricula. This integration of climate change-related content into nursing curricula is essential for preparing students, not just for their future roles in healthcare, but also their role in policy and climate justice. These results also reflect strong support from students for that integration. But while progress has been made, further research is essential to evaluate the impacts of these teaching strategies on nursing education.

Pharmacy Interns' Perception of Climate Change and Its Impact on Health

Background: The effects of climate change are major threats to health and well-being. While the profession of pharmacy can make a difference through patient care activities, sustainability, and advocacy, literature detailing U.S. pharmacist and student pharmacist views on this topic is scant. Objectives: To assess Ohio pharmacy interns' knowledge and beliefs regarding climate change and human health as well as its relevance to pharmacy practice and education, and to compare and contrast their perceptions with those of Ohio pharmacists previously surveyed. Methods: An anonymous 31-item electronic survey was emailed to a random sample of 500 pharmacy interns registered in Ohio with questions regarding climate change and health, climate change policy, potential roles for pharmacists and pharmacy interns, pharmacy education, and demographics. Data were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics, and responses collected from this study were compared with those from the Ohio pharmacist study conducted the previous year. Results: Ninety-two interns completed the survey. The majority of respondents thought climate change is happening (87%), will harm human health in their community (68%), and is relevant to pharmacists or pharmacy practice (62%). Compared to registered pharmacists, pharmacy interns more often acknowledged these statements and more often identified roles in climate action. Sixty-two percent somewhat or strongly agreed that there should be more education about climate change and health in the pharmacy curriculum. Conclusion: The majority of Ohio pharmacy interns participating in this survey recognized the impact of climate change on health, believed they have roles in mitigating its effects, and wanted to learn more about it. As these are the first data assessing U.S. pharmacy interns' perceptions of this topic, additional studies should be performed in other parts of the country. Increased education among student pharmacists may help propel the pharmacy profession to take the lead in climate action and sustainability.