Preparing health professionals to practice environmentally sustainable healthcare

Abstract

Abstract Background In 2019 the WHO identified climate change and air pollution as the top global threat to health. This was illustrated by the health consequences of the catastrophic 2019-20 Australian bushfire season. Health-care systems also contribute to climate change and environmental degradation. For Australia, health care contributes 7% of total carbon emissions and produces considerable clinical and non-clinical waste which is either incinerated or sent to landfill. Despite these threats to health there is a limited response by health professions education to include climate change and environmentally sustainable healthcare in curricula. Methods Medical Deans of Australia and New Zealand (MDANZ) is the peak body for professional medical education in Australasia. MDANZ formed a Climate Change and Health Working Group to develop curriculum and learning resources. The Group comprises representatives of Australasian medical schools and student representative organisations. The scope for curriculum was defined by searching the literature, reviewing teaching experience, and benchmarking against relevant courses developed for medical students by peers. Results Five broad areas of learning were identified; graduate outcome statements and learning objectives were developed aligned with these. Once endorsed by MDANZ these were circulated to all medical schools to inform curriculum review. A resource repository is being developed to support curriculum change. Ways to measure and monitor inclusion in medical programs are being researched. Conclusions We must prepare future practitioners for their role in transforming health care to become carbon neutral. Using a public health approach, system level change in medical education is being supported in Australasia. All health professions have a role in providing environmentally sustainable health care. The Group provides a model that can be used by other health professions to create change at the necessary pace and scale. Key messages The health education sector must prepare graduates for climate change and environmentally sustainable healthcare. By working collaboratively at a systems level, change can occur at pace and scale.