SAT444 Perceptions Of Endocrine Clinicians On Climate Change And Health

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: S. Steinmetz-Wood: None. K. Loomba: None. J. Hitt: None. A. Kennedy: None. M.P. Gilbert: Consulting Fee; Self; Novo Nordisk. K. Barrett: None. Introduction: Effects of climate change and pollution on the endocrine system are increasingly recognized, such as from EDCs, particulate matter, and the impact of malnutrition and unhealthy lifestyle practices. The Endocrine Society set a goal to increase awareness of the impact of climate change on endocrine health. Assessing perspectives is key in building climate change awareness, knowledge, preventative action and advocacy among health professionals. There are no existing surveys evaluating perceptions of endocrine clinicians on climate change. We aimed to 1) evaluate climate change awareness/knowledge among endocrine clinicians, 2) evaluate the motivation of endocrine clinicians to incorporate climate change concepts into practice, and 3) demonstrate the need for climate change curricula in endocrine training. Methods: We designed an online questionnaire including questions from existing surveys to healthcare professionals about climate change and endocrine-specific questions. The survey was shared to the endocrine community through social media and email. Study data were collected 9/20/2022 - 11/06/2022 and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools. Results: There were a total of 164 responses; 98% were physicians, of which 31% were program directors (PD) and 28.66% were fellows. The median age was 41 and 91% are employed in the US. The majority (95%) think that climate change is happening, and 52% are very worried about climate change. Responses were variable regarding knowledge level on climate change and health (6.7% very, 40% moderately, 35% modestly, and 17.7% not at all) and concern of effects on patient health (12.8% a great deal, 36% a moderate amount, 26% only a little, 8% not at all, 17% don’t know). The top 3 endocrine climate-health concerns were reduced exercise from motorized transport, malnutrition from food prices, and disruptions to healthcare services during weather events. The majority of respondents agree teaching about climate change and health impacts should be integrated into medical education (72.8% strongly agree or agree) and 82.7% of the PDs and fellows indicated their program does not cover this topic. The majority feel motivated to take action in their personal or professional life for climate change (68.88% strongly agree or agree). The 3 resources perceived most helpful were CME, patient education materials, and policy statements. Conclusion: The majority of endocrine clinicians surveyed are aware and worried about climate change, with varying levels of knowledge and concern about climate change and its health effects. Most respondents agree teaching about climate change and health effects should be integrated into medical education and most feel motivated to take action in some way for climate change. The results also reflect an untapped interest for a curriculum on climate change and endocrine health in fellowship programs and in CME. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023