Nationale Aktivitäten zur Stärkung der Klimakompetenz in den Gesundheitsberufen in Österreich

Climate change and its impact on health are increasingly being taken into account in health policy. Challenges arise from more frequent heat waves, increased pollen load, increased occurrence of vectors, among others. In particular, people in vulnerable contexts are disproportionately affected. To tackle these challenges, the healthcare system plays a key role through health promotion, prevention, and medical care. A climate-smart healthcare workforce as a relevant dimension for a climate-resilient healthcare system, therefore, need to be strengthened in its role. The article highlights work at the national level aimed at building a common understanding and developing an adequate content framework for a climate-smart healthcare workforce.

An explorative approach using a combination of different methods was chosen to address the research question. Based on a literature review, the framework for the topic was derived from international examples of good practice for the regulated healthcare professions in Austria. Experts from the fields of climate, health, and education reviewed the handbook to ensure and improve quality.

To establish health-related climate literacy in healthcare professions in the long term, three implementation processes need to be set up, including those in training, those already working in healthcare professions, and teachers for healthcare professions. An interprofessional handbook for strengthening health-related climate literacy in the healthcare professions provides the content framework for this.

Systematically building and strengthening health-related climate literacy in the healthcare system, especially among healthcare professionals, is an appropriate way to adapt to the multiple and severe impacts of climate change on people’s health and well-being.