Building climate resilience: Awareness of climate change adaptation in German Primary Care

Author:

Litke Nicola Alexandra1,Poß-Doering Regina1,Fehrer Valeska2,Köppen Martina3,Kümmel Stephanie3,Szecsenyi Joachim3,Wensing Michel3

Affiliation:

1. Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg

2. Poliklinik für Zahnerhaltungskunde, University Hospital Heidelberg

3. aQua Institute for Applied Quality Improvement and Research in Healthcare

Abstract

Abstract Background:Climate change is seen as the biggest health threat of the 21st century. Making primary care institutions resilient is therefore crucial to protect vulnerable groups and maintain quality of care. Awareness is a precondition for action. This study aims to explore awareness (knowledge, experience and attention) of climate change adaptation among primary care stakeholders. Methods:Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with primary care stakeholders were conducted. The qualitative data were analysed in a two-step Thematic Analysis process. Results: In total, n=40 stakeholders participated in two focus groups and 26 interviews. The findings show a mixed degree of awareness in primary care institutions. The spectrum ranged from a passive role with curative acting only, handing over responsibility to others and a low perceived self-efficacy to a proactive and responsible implementation of adaptation strategies. Participants who saw the need and responsibility of climate change adaptation in primary care perceived low additional workload. In general, implementation of climate change adaptation measures and general awareness of climate change adaptation appeared to be depending on a certain tension for change and a higher self-efficacy. Conclusion: Primary care plays a crucial role in climate change adaptation, and awareness needs to be increased further in order to cope with consequences of climate change. To facilitate this, there should be a strong emphasis on climate change adaptation strategies being part of healthcare provider roles rather than being perceived as an “add-on” to already high workloads.

Publisher

Research Square Platform LLC

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