Nurses' Perceptions of Climate Change: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Nursing Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Climate change poses significant threats to human health, impacting patients nurses encounter daily.
• Nurses are crucial in combating climate change effects but their perceptions and roles are under-researched.
• A comprehensive literature review is needed to understand nurses' perspectives on climate change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust research strategy for an exploratory literature review.
• To identify and synthesize existing knowledge on nurses' perceptions of climate change.
• To lay the groundwork for future research on nurses' engagement with climate change.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search strategy was developed with a specialized librarian, tested across MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science.
• A grey literature search will supplement database findings.
• Two researchers will independently screen studies using Covidence software, followed by data extraction and analysis.

Main Results:

• The review aims to clarify nurses' perceptions of climate change and their potential roles in mitigation and adaptation.
• Findings will highlight knowledge gaps and inform interventions for nursing education and practice.
• Results will guide the health sector in preparing professionals to address climate change threats.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary searches suggest a potential disconnect between the importance of nurses' role and their awareness of climate change impacts.
• This research will raise awareness among nurses about their critical role in addressing climate change and its health effects.
• The study will identify new avenues for equipping nurses to integrate climate change response into their practice.