Frontline Clinic Administrator Perspectives on Extreme Weather Events, Clinic Operations, and Climate Resilience

Area of Science:

• Environmental health
• Public health
• Climate science

Background:

• Climate-sensitive extreme weather events pose increasing risks to frontline clinic operations.
• Healthcare infrastructure is vulnerable to climate-related disruptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess frontline clinic staff's attitudes toward climate change.
• To determine the perceived impacts of extreme weather on clinic operations.
• To evaluate clinic preparedness and resilience for extreme weather events.

Main Methods:

• A national, cross-sectional survey was conducted.
• 284 administrators and staff from frontline clinics participated.
• The survey assessed attitudes, impacts, resilience, and preparedness regarding climate change and extreme weather.

Main Results:

• 80.2% of respondents believe humans cause climate change.
• 45.9% expressed concern about extreme weather impacting their jobs.
• Barriers to preparedness include financing, knowledge, and resources.
• 41.8% reported implementing protective measures for clinic infrastructure, such as power and ventilation improvements.

Conclusions:

• Frontline clinics recognize climate change but face significant preparedness challenges.
• Addressing financial and resource barriers is crucial for enhancing clinic resilience.
• Proactive infrastructure improvements are being undertaken by some clinics to mitigate weather event impacts.