When Climate Change Shows Up in the Exam Room

Joanna G Katzman; Stefan Wheat; Ann S Christiano

doi:10.3122/jabfm.2023.230200R1

When Climate Change Shows Up in the Exam Room

J Am Board Fam Med. 2024 Mar 11;37(1):15-18. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2023.230200R1.

Authors

Joanna G Katzman¹, Stefan Wheat², Ann S Christiano²

Affiliations

¹ From the Director, Public Health Initiatives, Project ECHO, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, (JGK), Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (SW), Department of Public Relations, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (ASC). jkatzman@salud.unm.edu.
² From the Director, Public Health Initiatives, Project ECHO, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, (JGK), Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (SW), Department of Public Relations, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (ASC).

PMID: 38092434
DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2023.230200R1

Abstract

Climate change is considered one of the greatest threats to humanity and the most significant global public health emergency of our lifetime. Millions of people from throughout the globe suffer and die each year from degraded air quality, extreme heat, water and vector-borne diseases as well as the mental health effects of climate change. Because clinicians are considered one of the most trusted sources of climate information, they have a unique opportunity to communicate the many health-related effects of climate change to their patients. It is important for clinicians to understand the most beneficial techniques to use when communicating with patients who may need more information regarding climate change and extreme weather events. These include 1) meeting patients where they are, 2) providing patient education, and 3) telling authentic stories. Developing and delivering effective communication strategies to our patients to prevent and prepare for climate-related health issues are paramount- if we are to make meaningful progress.

Keywords: Climate Change; Community Medicine; Environmental Medicine; Health Behavior; Health Communication; Health Education; Organizational Innovation; Public Health.

MeSH terms

Climate Change*
Humans
Public Health*