“Physicians Embrace Educational Program on Climate Change and Health: Survey Results Revealed”
A recent survey-based study conducted by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has revealed that an educational program focusing on the relationship between climate change and health was well-received by physicians. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, aimed to assess the impact of climate change-focused educational modules offered at MGH, an academic medical center and a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system.
Lead author Dr. Wynne Armand, an associate director of the Center for the Environment and Health at MGH, emphasized the importance of addressing climate change as a significant health crisis. Despite the recognition of climate change as a threat, many physicians feel unprepared to address its impact on health or take action.
The study surveyed 2,417 out of 2,559 eligible physicians and psychologists who completed the educational modules. The majority of participants found the modules relevant to their lives and clinical practices, with no significant difference based on age. However, female clinicians were more likely to consider the education as relevant compared to male clinicians.
Physicians specializing in areas directly affected by climate change, such as emergency medicine/urgent care, allergy, and primary care, were more likely to find the trainings relevant to their practices. The study also revealed that tailored educational strategies by specialty could better engage clinicians in learning about climate change’s health effects and mitigation strategies.
Optional comments provided by respondents reflected a mix of positive, neutral, and negative sentiments. Positive comments highlighted the importance of the topic and suggested ways to reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint, while negative comments questioned the relevance of climate information to clinicians’ roles in patient care.
Overall, the survey results indicate that most physicians believe education on the relationship between climate change and health care is crucial and welcome opportunities for action. Participants reported an increase in knowledge on these topics after completing the modules, suggesting that similar efforts across the healthcare sector could help address the health risks of climate change and reduce contributions to the problem.
The study’s authors, including Dr. Armand and colleagues, underscore the importance of raising awareness about climate change’s impact on health and encouraging healthcare professionals to take steps towards environmental sustainability. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the role of education in empowering clinicians to address the complex challenges posed by climate change in healthcare settings.
For more information, the full paper can be accessed in JAMA Network Open under DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.26790.