Medical Training on Climate Change and Health: Evaluation of an Online Learning Format for Outpatient Care

Climate change increasingly affects public health and presents new challenges for outpatient care. Physicians require specific training opportunities to address these developments. As part of the project AdaptNet ("Adapting primary and specialised outpatient care to the health impacts of climate change"), an online training course on climate change and health was developed to provide essential foundational knowledge on climate-related health risks and adaptation strategies for medical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the training in terms of comprehensibility, applicability, and its relevance to medical practice.

The training was provided as an online learning format. The evaluation followed a mixed-methods approach involving 23 general practitioners and specialised physicians from the Northern Bavaria region (Germany). Data collection included a standardised online questionnaire as well as structured group discussions. The analysis was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, with data being evaluated using qualitative content analysis and quantitative descriptive methods.

The quantitative analysis showed that the training was perceived as comprehensible, practically relevant, and well-structured. Participants considered the scope and duration of the training to be appropriate. The multimedia design was particularly positively highlighted. The qualitative results indicated increased awareness of climate-related health risks and a high perceived added value for medical practice. The training generated great interest among participants and was considered relevant for outpatient care. The flexible integration of the online format into daily work routines was seen as advantageous. Critical feedback referred to the lack of opportunities for interactive exchange and a desire for additional regional adaptation of the training content.

Climate change and adaptation are recognised as relevant topics in medical practice and can be effectively and practically communicated in the outpatient sector through the online training developed specially for this purpose. Regional customisation of the training content appears sensible in order to address climate and health challenges more specifically. Online formats may prove to be suitable tools for effective knowledge transfer.