Preparing Rural GPs and health services for climate change and extreme weather

Abstract

Background Rural communities are vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change, particularly in Australia. Rural General Practitioners (GPs) are critical to the development of adaptation strategies for climate change. The importance of their role warrants an investigation of their knowledge and recommendations. Aims To determine rural Australian GP attitudes towards climate change and health; and to assess their views on rural health service preparedness and strategies to improve such preparedness. Methodology A descriptive survey of GPs was conducted in Southern NSW via the Murrumbidgee Medicare Local and Coast City Country General Practice Training organizations. Results There were 68 participants. While the majority of respondents agreed with statements supporting climate science and the impact of climate change on health, a proportion did not. A significant proportion of GPs working in RRMA 5-7 identified that they did not think that their health service had the capacity to provide an initial response to an extreme weather event (p=0.01). 61% of participants nominated strengthening health service acute disaster capacity response as a preferred adaptation strategy for improving health service preparedness. A significant number of GPs were more supportive of their role as advocates on general health issues compared to extreme weather events or climate change and health (p<0.01). Older participants were significantly less supportive. 71% preferred a locally based workshop or seminar for professional development and education. Conclusion The study highlights the need to work closely with General Practitioners on the possible health effects of climate change. Findings indicate concern for health service preparedness, particularly in smaller rural communities. Development or communication of disaster response planning is needed.