Training Of Health Professionals Research Articles

Behavioral weight loss interventions in college health centers: A qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Emerging adults are underrepresented in standard behavioral weight loss interventions (BWLIs). Offering BWLIs in college health centers may help to address obesity in emerging adulthood by reducing student barriers associated with participation; however, implementation barriers and facilitators for health centers are unknown. Health services center administrators and providers (n=14) and students eligible to participate in a BWLI (n=9, average BMI=29.8±4.2kg/m2) participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews focused on the need for and appropriateness of BWLIs in health centers and perceived barriers and facilitators to their implementation. Participants generally believed that BWLIs delivered through a health center were appropriate and indicated that BWLIs would be a beneficial offering on-campus. Facilitators of health center implementation included availability of trained health professionals, intradepartmental relationships, supportive infrastructure and resources, and in-house planning and execution. Barriers included limited student use and knowledge of health center offerings, narrow referral/recruitment pathways related to stigma concerns, and challenges related to infrastructure, resources, and competing demands. College health centers are a feasible and appropriate setting to offer BWLIs, though barriers to implementation exist. It will be important to construct a plan for implementation to address unique barriers in health centers prior to BWLI implementation.

The effectiveness of diabetes training of psychiatric health professionals on individuals with diabetes and psychiatric disorders – a pragmatic controlled trial in Denmark

The effectiveness of diabetes training of psychiatric health professionals on individuals with diabetes and psychiatric disorders – a pragmatic controlled trial in Denmark

Clinical laboratory shadowing- an elective program in undergraduate health professions training: perception, strengths and challenges

Abstract Background The authors aim to evaluate the perception, strengths, and challenges in the implementation of “Clinical Laboratory Shadowing” as an elective module for third-year professional medical students. Methods Clinical Laboratory shadowing is an elective module designed by the faculty of Biochemistry for Phase III part-2 medical students. The elective comprises modules explaining the functioning of the Biochemistry Laboratory in a hospital. The students are provided insights into the different processes involved in laboratory testing. They are taught about total quality management of the Biochemistry Laboratory. Thirteen students from Batch 2019 and eight students from Batch 2020 volunteered to attend the elective. Students’ feedback regarding the learning was analyzed with the help of a questionnaire. Pre-test and post-test questions were evaluated to test the knowledge gained during the elective. Two focus group discussions were conducted regarding the benefits and areas for improvement for the elective. Results Following the elective module there was a significant improvement in the test score compared to baseline. A majority (84–95%) of students perceived that the shadowing elective was well planned, and materials were well prepared, there was appropriate engagement with the facilitators, gained knowledge on the principles of total quality management, good laboratory practices, disease process, and diagnosis. Most (53–74%) of the students felt that this elective was not monotonous and not difficult. Around 84–95% of students felt that this elective module enhanced the importance of interprofessional communication and teamwork. Moreover, through focused group discussions, several recurring themes emerged. Among these, the scope for improvement within the module is profound. The faculties were of the opinion that the shift from conventional training to competency-based learning was effectively embraced by the students, underscoring the importance of consistent small group activities in the module to enhance the skills of Good laboratory practices. The students expressed a desire for additional clinical correlation and interpretation classes in the elective module, showing their preference for student-centred clinically oriented learning. Conclusion The current study concludes that including an elective module on Clinical laboratory shadowing is an overall positive experience for medical students in enhancing their knowledge of basic sciences and application of the concepts in diagnosing cases. This elective may be desirable to adopt in other medical colleges in India.

Building the OAChangeMap to Improve the Service Delivery of the New South Wales Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program: A Worked Example of Using a Codesign Framework.

The Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program (OACCP) has been implemented in Australian public hospitals to deliver best evidence osteoarthritis (OA) care. It is important to ensure that the OACCP continues to deliver evidence-based OA care as intended. We aimed to identify barriers and enablers to delivering the OACCP, prioritize the barriers, and generate strategies to address them. This study provides a worked example of a seven-step theory-informed codesign framework. We invited OACCP coordinators to participate in semistructured interviews (analyzed thematically) and complete a questionnaire to identify barriers and enablers to delivery of the OACCP. We then invited a broader group of stakeholders (OACCP coordinators, health managers, policy makers, consumers, and researchers) to prioritize the barriers via a short survey (survey 2). We held five codesign workshops in which we mapped the priority barriers to the Theoretical Domains Framework and developed strategies to address them. Sixteen coordinators were interviewed, and the main barriers identified were as follows: (1) patients often have beliefs that are inconsistent with best evidence care, (2) there are aspects of clinical care that are not delivered optimally, and (3) system-level factors are a barrier to optimal patient care and sustainability of the OACCP. We codesigned a plan for action with patient educational materials, shared decision-making tools, and health professional education and training. Our worked example of codesign used a theory-based, data-driven approach with key stakeholders, identified and prioritized barriers to the delivery of the OACCP, acknowledged enablers, and generated a plan for feasible strategies to improve the program.

INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY AND LITERATURE IN HUMANISTIC HEALTH TRAINING: EFFECTS OF TEXTS ON THE HUMANIZATION OF CARE

Given the need to develop educational practices that transcend technical knowledge, promoting ethical reflection and empathetic understanding of patients, this study aimed to analyze how the use of literary texts in health education can promote the humanization of care, integrating digital technology to maximize educational impact and improve the training of professionals. The proposal explores the potential of digital technologies to maximize educational impact and improve the training of future health professionals. A mixed methodological approach was used, with qualitative and quantitative analyses, applied in the discipline of Nursing in Women's Health at a private university in São Paulo. The research was conducted remotely, due to restrictions imposed by the pandemic, and involved 58 undergraduate nursing students. During the study, students read and discussed the works The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Little Doctor through the Google Classroom platform. The activities included guided readings, weekly discussions, and questionnaires to assess the impact of the readings on students' understanding and practice in relation to the humanization of care. Quantitative analysis revealed a significant increase in student participation and depth of reflections after the introduction of literary texts, while qualitative analyses highlighted the importance of literature in fostering a more empathetic and humanized perspective in health practice. It is concluded that the integration of literary texts, mediated by digital technologies, proved to be effective in improving the understanding and practice of humanization in care, contributing to a more sensitive and reflective professional training.

Standardized Patient Education Focused on Equity Deserving Groups

Introduction Health professions training programs must train future healthcare providers to meet the needs of equity-deserving patient populations. Standardized patient (SP) programs are one mechanism by which this training can occur. Our aim was to develop a set of recommendations for SP programs and educators around planning, organizing, and delivering SP-based education involving equity-deserving groups. Methods We undertook a qualitative analysis of interview transcripts of SPs, educators, and trainers involved in SP work with equity-deserving groups. Subsequently, we conducted a three-stage modified Delphi process to generate recommendations. Results We derived 10 tips to help stakeholders improve SP-based education involving equity-deserving groups. The underlying themes included collaborative involvement, including co-creation and co-delivery of content with members of equity-deserving groups, as well as consistent prioritization of the needs of SPs throughout the process. Conclusions Our findings suggest ways in which SP programs and educators can better train future healthcare providers to meet the needs of equity-deserving patient populations.

A IMPORTÂNCIA DOS CUIDADOS DE ENFERMAGEM PARA A SAÚDE MENTAL DOS IDOSOS

Population aging presents significant challenges for healthcare systems, especially with regard to the mental health of older people. This study aims to analyze the importance of nursing care in promoting and maintaining the mental health of this population, emphasizing the role of nurses in the early identification of mental disorders, continuous monitoring and the creation of welcoming environments. The research adopts a literature review methodology, covering articles published in the last ten years in databases such as PubMed, Scielo and LILACS, prioritizing nonpharmacological and holistic care practices. The results indicate that nursing interventions, when carried out in a continuous and humanized manner, are essential to prevent the worsening of psychological disorders and improve the quality of life of the elderly. This study also highlights the need for training health professionals to deal with the psychological demands of this population, as well as the importance of public policies that support actions aimed at the mental health of the elderly. It is concluded that a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach is essential to face the challenges posed by aging, ensuring that the elderly age in a healthy and active way.

Wearable sensors for cardiological monitoring in the SUS: regulatory challenges and impacts on Brazilian Public Health

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Brazil, with approximately 400,000 deaths annually, which corresponds to almost 30% of all deaths in the country. In addition to the impact on mortality, these conditions generate an enormous economic burden for the health system, with costs associated with the treatment of diseases such as heart attack and heart failure exceeding R$50 billion per year. In this context, the use of wearable devices for continuous monitoring of cardiovascular parameters emerges as an opportunity to improve the management and prevention of these diseases. This study conducts a scoping review of the regulatory challenges involved in the incorporation of wearables into the Unified Health System (SUS), with a focus on cardiological monitoring. Articles published between 2019 and 2024 were analyzed, discussing issues such as data accuracy, interoperability between systems, protection of sensitive data, and training of health professionals. In addition, the study examines the economic and social implications of the adoption of these technologies in a context of profound socioeconomic inequalities. The results indicate that, although wearables have the potential to transform cardiovascular care in Brazil, regulatory and technical barriers still limit their large-scale adoption in the SUS. Adequate regulation, aligned with the General Data Protection Law (LGPD), and investments in infrastructure and training are essential for the safe and effective integration of these technologies into public health.

Human rights engagement, stigma and attitudes towards mental health among Colombian social work and medical students.

Human rights training in mental health professions is essential to reduce stigma and facilitate recovery processes. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between engagement to human rights and stigma towards people with mental disorders, as well as attitudes towards mental illness in medical and social work students of a Latin American context. An analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 243 students in the last two years of study. Community Attitudes Towards the Mentally Ill (CAMI), Mental Illness Clinicians' Attitude Scale (MICA), Human Rights Exposure in Social Work (HRXSW) and Human Rights Engagement in Social Work (HRESW) were used as instruments. To determine how the explanatory variables are related to the engagement to human rights (dependent variable) a binary logistic regression model was used. Correlations were found between the scales and their components. Economic condition, intersectional approach, authoritarianism, benevolence and mental health ideology explained 55.11% of the variance for commitment to the engagement of human rights. Some factors related to the stigma of mental disorders and the focus on human rights in future mental health professionals are highlighted that should be more visible in the training practices of these professions.

THE IMPACT OF TELEMEDICINE ON ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven the implementation of telemedicine as a solution for maintaining access to healthcare, transforming the primary care landscape in many parts of the world. In Brazil, telemedicine has established itself as an essential tool for overcoming geographical and social barriers, facilitating access to basic care for populations that traditionally faced difficulties in accessing health services. This study seeks to investigate the impact of telemedicine on access to primary care, analyzing its main challenges and opportunities in the context of post-pandemic primary care. This study seeks to analyze the impact of telemedicine on access to primary care, exploring the main challenges and opportunities that arise with this modality of care. It also aims to identify practices and policies that can strengthen the implementation of telemedicine in Primary Care, ensuring that remote care is effective, safe and inclusive. This is a literature review, based on a qualitative approach, using the Scielo, Google Scholar and PubMed databases. To refine the research, the health descriptors “telemedicine”, “primary care”, “COVID-19”, and “equity in access to health” were selected, with a time frame between 2021 and 2023. Through a literature review, the study explores recent data on telemedicine in primary care, focusing on the main opportunities it offers, such as improved access and efficiency of services, as well as the challenges, including limited technological infrastructure in poor regions, privacy and confidentiality issues, and the need for adequate training for health professionals. Telemedicine enables more agile care and coverage of a larger population, but still faces obstacles related to digital accessibility and maintaining quality and continuity of care, especially for vulnerable groups. Telemedicine has therefore proved to be a strategic tool for expanding access to primary care, offering a viable alternative for reducing gaps in primary care. However, in order to maximize its impact, it is essential to overcome the technological challenges, guarantee information security and train health professionals in this new type of care. The continued use of telemedicine in the post-pandemic context presents an opportunity to strengthen the Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil, expanding the reach of primary care and promoting greater equity in access to health.

THE CARE SCENARIO IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FOR THE BLACK POPULATION

This research aims to analyze inequalities in access to health care for the black population in Primary Health Care (PHC) in Brazil, highlighting the impact of structural and institutional racism on care practices. The overall objective is to analyze the current scenario of care and health promotion in primary care for the black population. The research methodology was a qualitative and descriptive literature review. The research shows that PHC, although it is the gateway to the Unified Health System (SUS), often fails to equitably meet the needs of the black population, resulting in worse health and quality of life indicators. The conclusion points out that it is urgent to implement inclusive public policies and anti-racist practices, in addition to promoting the continued training of health professionals with a focus on the specificities of the health of the black population. The active participation of this population in the formulation of policies and the encouragement of research on their health conditions are essential to promote comprehensive and equitable health.

Virtual Multiple Mini Interviews: Implementation and evaluation for undergraduate medical, dental, and oral health degrees

Introduction The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) is a widely used method for evaluating non-cognitive skills of applicants to health professions training programs. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a swift transition to virtual MMIs (vMMIs), with initial indications of their feasibility and acceptability. This novel study describes the implementation and evaluation of a large-scale vMMI model for selection into undergraduate medical, dental, and oral health degrees within an Australian university. Methods A vMMI process was implemented in November 2022, comprising onsite interviewers (n = 450) and remote applicants (n = 1001). Using the online platform Zoom, applicants rotated through six to eight 10-min virtual stations. Acceptability of the virtual process was evaluated using online surveys, completed by interviewers (n = 396) and applicants (n = 255). Results Overall, interviewers (98%) and applicants (96%) reported the vMMI as a positive experience, citing clear information, suitable interview questions, Zoom use, diversity of interviewers, and lack of gender and cultural bias as strengths of the process. Challenges included difficulties with rapport building and the disturbance of background noise. Conclusions A large-scale vMMI for three health programs was successfully implemented and positively evaluated. As the uptake of virtual interviews are likely to increase, this study can provide guidance for institutions planning to implement comparable vMMI processes.

Perspectives of psychiatrists on Mental Health Care Act, 2017: An in-depth pilot survey

ABSTRACT Background: The Mental Health Care Act, 2017 (MHCA, 17) was passed through both houses of the parliament. The Indian Psychiatric Society through its Patient’s Rights Task Force committee has been deliberating various rounds of discussion at levels of stakeholders, mental health professionals, and patients’ perspective. However, a scarce budget for mental health services, lack of trained mental health professionals, and poor infrastructure and logistics pose a challenge for this new act as still there is a lack of awareness of different provisions of MHCA at the administrative, judiciary, and public levels. Aim: The present study was undertaken to address the perspectives of psychiatrists related to MHCA,2017 its provisions. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was designed to gather information on awareness about MHCA, 2017. The responses were collected from the member psychiatrists of Indian Psychiatric Society in a google form including the suggestions regarding amendments in MHCA, 2017. Results: 22.6% of participants were using MHCA in clinical practice completely, and 20.2% did not use it all. 52.4% stated that they are using it partly. Capacity assessment of the person suffering from mental illness was done by 52.4% of participants in day-to-day clinical practice. 35.7% denied assessing it. With respect to section 309 IPC, 31% were registering and managing suicide attempts as medico legal cases and 63.1% as non-MLC cases. 54.2% of the participants were not aware about medical insurance for mental health. The qualitative data suggest the act should be simplified including relaxation in provisions of minor, capacity assessment and ensure active functioning of various authorities. Conclusions: Amendments are required in MHCA, 2017 taking into cognizance the opinions from various practicing psychiatrists who are facing hurdles in routine clinical practice.

DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE MEDICAL DEVICES IN NEONATOLOGY: LITERATURE REVIEW

The aim of this study is to review the development of medical devices in neonatology, exploring technological advances, identifying innovations and challenges, and proposing recommendations for future research. The methodology involved a narrative review of the literature, searching databases such as PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane, and IEEE Xplore, focusing on studies from the last ten years on medical devices for neonatology. The results highlight that technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning have improved the monitoring and prognosis of neonatal conditions, allowing for more precise and personalized interventions. 3D printing emerges as a promising tool for creating personalized medical devices, meeting the specific needs of each patient. Wearable devices for continuous monitoring of vital signs and advanced enteral and parenteral feeding devices have demonstrated a positive impact on neonatal health. Mechanical ventilators with gentler and smarter modes have reduced serious complications, and catheters with antimicrobial coatings have helped to reduce the incidence of neonatal sepsis. The conclusions indicate that technological innovations are fundamental to improving neonatal care. The integration of artificial intelligence, 3D printing and continuous monitoring has the potential to transform neonatology, improving clinical outcomes and the quality of life of newborns. However, challenges such as the variability of neonatal pathologies, cost and accessibility of devices and the need for adequate training of health professionals need to be addressed. Investment in continuous research, clinical validation and interdisciplinary training is recommended to ensure the effective adoption of these innovative technologies in daily clinical practices.

Climate change among health students in France: a multicenter, cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction Climate change (CC) has been identified as the greatest global health threat of our time. To foster the resilience of our health system and promote sustainable health, it is essential to rely on aware and trained actors. We evaluated the level of awareness, perception, and commitment of health students in France about CC and sustainable development (SD) issues. We also assessed their expectations in terms of initial training on these subjects. Methods We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study targeting students enrolled in Medicine, Pharmacy, Odontology, Maieutics, Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medical Electroradiology in the southwest region of France. The questionnaire used was designed to identify the Knowledge, Behaviors, Practices, and expectations on SD and CC during their studies. It was distributed in a format to be completed online in April 2022. Results A total of 529/7000 (7.5%) health students participated in our survey. Our results show that students have little perception of the impact of the health system on CC. However, they are already committed to reducing energy (97%) and water consumption (94.5%) and sorting their waste (87.8%) in their daily lives. Among students, 73.6% envision themselves as future actors in sustainable healthcare. Although they expect a strong commitment from their training institution, 92% of them think that students are the most active on these issues. Regarding their training, 83% of them think that it should integrate CC and SD issues, while 58.7% say that they have never dealt with this topic at this stage of their studies. Conclusions In France, the initial training of future health professionals must be rapidly adapted and must enable them to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the health impacts of CC on the one hand and to reduce the impact of the health sector on the climate on the other to build climate resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems. Key messages • French health students appear to be committed to the fight against climate change. • Initial training of future health professionals needs to be adapted to give them the knowledge and skills to understand the challenges of climate change with health and the health system.

From the first European Climate Risk Assessment to action in policy and practice

Abstract The first European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA), produced by the European Environment Agency in March 2024, engaging nearly 100 authors across Europe, highlights health among the most at-risk sectors. According to the structured risk assessment that was conducted to support the transparent identification of priorities for policy action, more and urgent action is needed to reduce health risks from heat indoors and outdoors; from wildfires and outbreaks of vector- and water-borne diseases. The responsibility for managing risks lies both with the EU and Member States, and the policy readiness varies depending on the risk. The European Climate and Health Observatory, set up to better understand, anticipate and prevent climate risks to human health in Europe, in the most recent report ‘Responding to climate change impacts on human health in Europe: focus on floods, droughts and water quality’ provides in-depth analyses of some climate-related risks to health and presents examples of responses to them in both policy and practice. Both assessments emphasise that without fast and systemic action to increase societal resilience, the health impacts of the changing climate will worsen, affecting already disadvantaged or vulnerable groups the most. Health and health-determining sectors have the opportunity to address the health impacts of climate change by, among others, increasing the climate resilience of health systems; developing, updating and implementing national health adaptation plans; and supporting the education and training of public health and healthcare professionals on climate change threats. At the same time, addressing health impacts from climate extremes requires responses across sectors, actors and spatial scales.

Ready or not? The state of emergency preparedness among Italian Public Health medical residents

Abstract Background Italy frequently experiences major events like earthquakes, floods, and migrant shipwrecks, reflecting global concerns that also include climate change, pandemics, and wars. This study aims to assess the role of public health experts and the current state of Italian post-degree Public Health schools in addressing these challenges. Methods In June 2023, a cross-sectional online survey was administered to all Italian Public Health residents enrolled in the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine, and Public Health (SItI). The survey investigated the availability and frequency of training and updates related to emergencies, measured the interest and perceived importance of these topics among residents, examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their awareness, and identified their primary sources of information in the subject. Results Out of 289 respondents, a significant majority (86.2%) acknowledging the importance of being trained in emergency management and 74.4% expressed interest in topic (p < 0.001). A 90.1% of residents indicated a lack of dedicated courses and 93.1% reported an absence of specialized master’s programs (p < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between recognizing the importance of the topic and the desire to attend specialized conferences (p < 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic had a noticeable impact: 24.6% recognized the importance of the topic pre-pandemic, while 50.9% raised awareness during (p < 0.001). Conclusions The findings highlight a critical gap in the training of public health professionals in Italy, particularly in the domain of emergency preparedness and management. There is a pressing need to establish enhanced, uniform training programs across different public health training networks in Italy. Implementing such programs would ensure a more robust and effective response to future emergencies, thereby safeguarding public health and improving outcomes during crises. Key messages • Significant gap in specialized training and awareness among health professionals. • Urgent need for emergency preparedness training in public health.

6.D. Skills building seminar: Family Vulnerability Scale: Why and how to use at Primary Health Care to promote health equity?

Abstract Family vulnerability encompasses multiple perspectives that are interconnected with the health needs of each family member. Families experiencing vulnerability face heightened risks of poor health outcomes. Nonetheless, these vulnerabilities are further compounded by systemic inequalities within healthcare systems, where biological or clinical factors are exclusively considered to organize and/or prioritize access, especially given the scarcity of valid instruments to measure family vulnerability. Primary Health Care (PHC) plays a pivotal role in addressing health inequalities, especially considering its bond with community. From this context, the Family Vulnerability Scale for Brazil (EVFAM-BR, in Portuguese) was developed and validated, been composed of 14 items about four dimensions (income, healthcare, family and violence) (2019-2023). By reducing the gap between science and practice, the implementation process of EVFAM-BR was started at the same year the scale was validated (2023). First, it occurred at 14 PHC services in São Paulo (Southeast Region, Brazil) and second, since 2024 has been implemented at Boa Vista (North Region, Brazil). Also, between 2024 and 2026, the implementation of EVFAM-BR is expected to take place in other Brazilian states participating in the third phase of the PlanificaSUS project, which is developed aiming to support State health departments to implement the Health Care Planning method to organize and integrate PHC and specialized outpatient care based on population health care needs. At this stage, capacity building is needed to align the concept of family vulnerability and to train PHC managers and health professionals on how to apply and use results from EVFAM-BR. This training has already been performed for around 1,000 health professionals from two different regions of Brazil, including managers, Community Health Workers, nurses, and physicians. The present workshop proposal aims to disseminate the EVFAM-BR and to offer the EVFAM-BR experience. It proposes knowledge transferring throughout participants engagement at three activities. Activity 1) “Family Vulnerability: From concept to a scale validity and application”: it is designed to engage participants to discuss about the family vulnerability concept and applicability at PHC, and to discuss on how EVFAM-BR implementation process has been occurring at Brazil and how can be tailored to other contexts. Activity 2) “Role Play: Practicing EVFAM-BR”: Two cases will be used for role play dynamics that will take place in trios, in which one will represent the community health worker, another will be the patient and the third will be the observer. Activity 3) That ones that assumed observer role will share their experiences of using EVFAM-BR. Finally, a discussion will be facilitated based on the participants’ impressions and a review of the main points covered throughout the workshop. Key messages • Family vulnerability stratification (through EVFAM-BR) is essential to plan services achieving equity and qualified population-based care management and to qualify patient approach and care. • Family Vulnerability Scale (EVFAM-BR) training represents efforts to reduce the gap between research and practice and contributes to address social determinants of health on healthcare.

Barriers to Personalised Prevention: Perspectives from a Multi-Stakeholder Consultation

Abstract Background The high and increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) demands a healthcare shift towards prevention. Personalised preventive interventions (PPIs) that consider biological, sociocultural, environmental, and behavioural characteristics of individuals, are not as widely adopted as other personalised medicine approaches. To identify the main barriers and gaps that are hindering the adoption of PPIs in healthcare systems, we consulted a wide range of European stakeholders, including health professionals, policy makers, citizens and patients, and researchers. Methods The consultation process included experts’ interviews and an online survey, taking place over 10 months in 2023/2024. Interviews were analysed using qualitative Thematic Analysis. The online survey development was based on the barriers identified by the interviewed experts, complemented with findings from the literature. Respondents scored their level of agreement/disagreement using a 6-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results A total of 26 semi-structured interviews and 270 complete surveys were obtained. Overall, the main barriers highlighted were: 1) Health systems strategies are geared towards curative care and not prevention. 2) Awareness and understanding of the concept of PPIs is low. 3) There is a lack of basic and life-long training for health professionals on PPIs; 4) There is insufficient evidence for PPIs to raise the necessary policymakers’ interest. 5) Health literacy of citizens and patients is low. 6) There is insufficient prevention research, evidence of cost-efficiency and regulation procedures for translation into health practice. Conclusions Identified barriers are interconnected and the challenges extend beyond prevention to personalized medicine interventions. Collaborative efforts are needed to elevate visibility and engage stakeholders, facilitating integration of PPIs into healthcare systems for widespread adoption. Key messages • This consultation offers valuable insights on challenges that need to be addressed to enable the integration of PPIs into healthcare and reduce the burden of NCDs. • Investments in disease prevention and PPIs should stand as a global key priority.

Climate change and its health effects - an optional subject for medical students

Abstract The Standing Committee of European Doctors urged to include training on the impact of climate change on health for health professionals. Currently, in the curriculum of most medical schools, the health-related impacts of climate change represent a peripheral part. The teaching of health effects of climate change should be made part of the training of health professionals and should be introduced in the curriculum of medical schools. ClimateMed is an Erasmus project that improves the curriculum and expands knowledge about the health effects of climate change at medical universities. The World Café method, based on round table discussions, was applied to assess the needs, summarize the proposals, and develop the necessary strategy. At the same time, a questionnaire was applied to those medical students from UMFST Targu Mureș who chose this subject as an optional subject. Students related the importance of understanding the diseases caused directly or indirectly by climate change, and reported what kind of topics should be included in a new course, in which semester/module and in what format it would be appropriate to teach it. The most frequently reported topics were: excessive heat and heat-related illnesses, extreme weather, vector-borne diseases, food safety, air pollution, and mental health. According to the goals of the project and students’ opinions, since 2023 medical students can choose Climate Change and Health Effects as an elective course. Based on the demand for medical universities to include in their curriculum knowledge related to the health effects of climate change, ClimateMed project can facilitate this integration and can promote the increase of teacher motivation and the development of methodological guidelines for university teachers. The project contributes to the preparation of some educational materials and the introduction of an optional subject in the training curriculum of the students of the Faculty of Medicine, UMFST Targu Mureș. Key messages • There must be made efforts to include training on the impact of climate change on health for health professionals, to introduce this subject in the curriculum of medical schools. • ClimateMed project can facilitate the integration of knowledge about the health effects of climate change into curriculum and can promote the practical use.