Climate Change ECHO: Telementoring to Improve Climate Literacy for Health Professionals.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health Education
• Climate Change Impacts

Background:

• Climate change poses a significant global public health crisis.
• Inadequate training exists for healthcare professionals on managing and communicating climate-related health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Project ECHO Climate Change and Human Health program.
• To assess improvements in knowledge and self-efficacy among health professionals regarding climate-related health impacts and communication.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 22 weekly virtual telementoring sessions from July 2021 to February 2022.
• Engaged 804 unique participants including nurses, physicians, and public health professionals.
• Utilized weekly Zoom polls and post-session surveys to measure knowledge and self-efficacy.

Main Results:

• Participants reported high levels of learning, with 94.6% agreeing they acquired new skills.
• 91% rated the sessions as excellent/very good for evidence-basis, and 89% for improved communication skills.
• The program successfully reached a diverse group of health professionals across states and countries.

Conclusions:

• The Climate Change and Human Health ECHO program is effective in building capacity for health professionals.
• The initiative successfully enhances resources and skills to manage climate-related health challenges.
• This program addresses a critical need in public health preparedness for the climate crisis.