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How can healthcare professionals support sustainability?

Healthcare professionals are some of the most trusted and respected members of society1, and are perfectly placed to inspire and demand the changes we need for a healthier planet and healthier people.

The health impacts of climate change are already being seen and treated first-hand by healthcare professionals, so it will be unsurprising to hear that many of them care deeply about this matter2. A recent survey of 150 doctors and nurses across Europe by Economist Impact reported that nearly 80% wanted to see sustainability as a measurable domain in the quality of care that hospitals deliver. Only 12% of respondents said that they did not have the time or resources to be involved3

There are several ways that healthcare professionals can support sustainability or advocate for action at the intersection of people and planet health.

1. Self-education

Most health professionals understand that climate change is happening and is affecting the health of those they care for. However, many still feel that they have insufficient knowledge about the topic, and the majority of healthcare professionals in clinical practice today are unlikely to have received specific training or education in this area2

An important first step in realising the potential of the healthcare professional’s voice is to ensure that they understand the key principles of sustainable healthcare and the link between health and the environment.

A number of organisations deliver courses specifically on sustainable healthcare (eg the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare), and there are now a wide range of open access publications and resources from institutions such as the WHO4 and The Lancet5 which are credible sources of information on this subject matter. 

2. Role model sustainable behaviours

At the most basic level, change should begin at home and in the local community. By role modelling positive climate and environmental behaviours such as active travel (eg walking or cycling to work), decarbonising their own personal lives and embracing a sustainable diet, healthcare professionals can enhance both their influence, and the credibility as advocates.

Leading by example has also been shown to further enhance healthcare professionals' motivations to take subsequent, further actions, which can facilitate a virtuous cycle of positive action1.

3. Engage and influence others

Healthcare professionals are experienced communicators, especially when it comes to simplifying complex messages in a way that can promote behaviour change. The trusted voice of healthcare professionals can be compelling not only for patients, but also for colleagues, family members and communities. The sight of a bicycle in a clinician’s consulting room sends an important message to patients and colleagues, and the impact of positive action can be multiplied by explaining to others why they are taking action1.

Healthcare professionals often provide advice around healthy behaviours such as walking or cutting down the amount of meat in our diets, and where appropriate they can also explain how these choices benefit the wider community and health of the planet.

Healthcare professionals in education can teach students about the link between health and the environment, and clinical researchers are well-placed to both ask and answer research questions at the intersection of people and planet health.

4. Reduce the environmental impact of care

In addition to making changes in their personal lives, healthcare professionals can reduce the environmental impact of care that they deliver within their facility or organisation.

Individually or collectively, healthcare professionals can implement policy or practice changes aimed at increasing energy efficiency, reducing emissions, minimising waste and sourcing low-carbon supplies or sustainable equipment. They can also influence the design and delivery of the models of care and care pathways that exist in their organisations. And they can identify innovative opportunities, products or services that reduce the environmental footprint of care without compromising the clinical outcome.

Examples of this include supporting remote consultations or care closer to home, reducing unnecessary use of healthcare resources – such as plastic gloves and other single-use items – and exploring digital solutions as an alternative to traditional care methods.

5. Collaborate and innovate

As individuals, healthcare professionals can only achieve so much – whether in their community or workplace – but by working together and collaborating they can amplify their voice and maximise impact.

A number of national and international networks already exist that healthcare professionals can join to help advance climate and health solutions. Examples include the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (UK-based), Nurses Climate Challenge (Europe), Health Care Without Harm’s Physician Network and Doctors for the Environment (Australia). Healthcare professionals can also take the simple step of signing the Healthy Climate Prescription Letter.

Global collaboration and networks can be a great way to share ideas and innovative approaches across traditional boundaries, but engaging and connecting with colleagues at a local level can be similarly effective when it comes to inspiring action and raising awareness.

For the last two years, Bupa has sponsored the Ride for their Lives campaign, an initiative that aims to mobilise the healthcare community to raise awareness and inspire action around air pollution, climate change and sustainable healthcare. In 2022, Bupa employees organised and took part in a ride from London to Brighton, connecting healthcare professionals from across 11 organisations, fostering a sense of collaboration and committing to action around health and the environment.

Collaboration and the sharing of ideas can promote innovation and accelerate the adoption of sustainable solutions, but more importantly influence the public and policymakers through strength in numbers and voice.

References:

1. Health Professionals and the Climate Crisis: Trusted Voices, Essential Roles
2. Views of health professionals on climate change and health: a multinational survey study
3. Do no harm: healthcare professionals address sustainability and climate change
4. The Health Argument for Climate Action: COP26 Special Report
5. The Lancet Countdown: Tracking progress on health and climate change