Excellence in a Changing Climate: A Case for Climate-Informed, Environmentally Conscious Physical Therapy Education

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health Policy
• Physical Therapy Education

Background:

• Climate change is recognized as a major global health threat by the World Health Organization.
• Health professionals, including physical therapists, are urged to advocate for climate action.
• Physical therapists' expertise in movement and health uniquely positions them to address climate-related health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the integration of climate-informed care, environmental justice, and sustainability into physical therapy education.
• To align physical therapy education with professional expectations and societal needs in the context of climate change.
• To prepare physical therapy professionals to address the health impacts of environmental issues.

Main Methods:

• Review of professional organization standards and curricular expectations in physical therapy.
• Application of the socio-ecological model and the International Classification of Functioning frameworks.
• Analysis of opportunities for integrating climate and environmental justice content into existing coursework.

Main Results:

• Climate-informed theory and practice can be effectively integrated into physical therapy curricula.
• Existing coursework in science, patient management, and professionalism can accommodate climate and environmental justice content without overload.
• Professional organizations support the inclusion of climate-related health topics.

Conclusions:

• Physical therapists can significantly reduce health disparities and climate-related health impacts through climate-informed care and sustainable practices.
• Integrating climate and environmental justice into education ensures future physical therapists are equipped to manage the intersection of health outcomes and equitable care.
• This integration positions the physical therapy profession as a leader in addressing climate change's health consequences and ethical responsibilities.