Physiotherapy and planetary health: a scoping review

Abstract

Introduction Planetary health is deteriorating rapidly and climate change is one of the core boundaries for planetary health. Climate change is associated with worsening human health and physiotherapists are involved in managing its downstream effects on patients. Meanwhile, health care is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. Objectives Identify and map the existing literature that explores the relationship between physiotherapy and planetary health. Methods Four databases and grey literature were systematically searched. Material was eligible if it explored physiotherapy theory or practice related to a change in the environment. Two independent reviewers screened article title and abstracts, then assessed the full-text for eligibility for inclusion. Characteristics and nature of the literature were extracted and synthesised descriptively. Results Thirty-four of 4510 outputs met the inclusion criteria. Twenty were journal publications and fourteen were available on websites. A common theme related to the concept of physiotherapy as an environmentally friendly healthcare practice (n = 8) which may be through promoting interventions that are environmentally friendly (n = 7) and encouraging sustainable practice as a profession (n = 6). Conclusion There is a strong global call for the physiotherapy profession to advocate for environmentally sustainable practice at individual and organisational realms. More empirical research on the relationship between physiotherapy and planetary health is now needed to strengthen knowledge of accessible and effective interventions to address this health crisis.