Climate Change & Public Health: What is the role of primary health care?

Climate Change & Public Health: What is the role of primary health care?

Emily Stratford

Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit

Stephen Hill

TP_4872

2019

Online

Haliburton County, City of Kawartha Lakes

Climate change is rapidly altering the world and has a direct impact on human health. Health systems must, therefore, be equipped to handle these changing health needs and be able to adapt as the climate continues to change. Primary care providers are in a unique position to both administer and promote healthcare. When primary care providers and public health units work in collaboration, the health impacts of climate change may be managed with increased effectiveness and adaptability. A literature review was conducted to gather literature on paramedic, emergency department, and family physician adaptations to the health impacts on climate change, with special consideration given to vulnerable populations and public health unit collaborations. The primary care providers researched could all benefit from formalized climate change education and training as it relates to human health. They may also be able to facilitate better health adaptations to climate change, with public health units, by participating in data collection to assess the current health impacts of climate change within a given jurisdiction. Promotion of safe health practices regarding climate change is another way primary care providers and public health units can collaborate to adaptively manage climate change health impacts. There are a number of vulnerable populations to climate change health impacts, including those of low socioeconomic status, children and infants, and the elderly. Overall, a lack of Canadian literature on climate change health impacts demonstrates a need to conduct further research domestically, and to assist public health units in their research.