Entwicklung eines Leitfadens zur klimasensiblen Gesundheitsberatung für hausärztliche Praxen (ELKGE)

The effects of global environmental changes on health are increasingly becoming part of general practitioners’ spectrum. As part of the ELKGE project, a “Guide to climate-sensitive health advice (KSGB) for general practitioners’ practices” was developed. The guide is intended to raise the awareness among general practitioners (GPs) about the KSGB and to provide knowledge and tips for action.

To create the guide, a literature search and two online focus groups with GPs were carried out. The focus groups were evaluated using qualitative content analysis. Based on the results, the guide was designed. Afterward it was tested by GPs and feedback was collected by written evaluation and two further online focus groups. Based on this, the guide was revised and finalized.

As part of the ELKGE project, the first German guide for climate-sensitive health advice for GPs’ practices was developed. The GPs’ preferred content of the guide included, e.g., heat, infectious diseases, and psychological stress. GPs wanted examples of consultations, suggested wording, checklists, and information materials. Uncertainties regarding “addressing the topic during medical consultation”, a lack of time to obtain and impart information, and a lack of understanding on the part of patients were mentioned as challenges.

Concepts such as the KSGB can help general practitioners to integrate climate issues into their medical consultation. The KSGB guide is available online free of charge to anyone interested.