Traditional knowledge, planetary health and healthcare: a systematic review

Traditional knowledge takes a more holistic view of the interconnectedness between nature and human health compared to modern healthcare systems. This review synthesises literature on the nexus between traditional knowledge, the environment and health, with the goal of an environmentally sustainable healthcare system.

We searched Web of Science, Scopus, Medline and Embase for peer-reviewed publications using keywords related to the natural environment or planetary health, Indigenous/traditional knowledge, and healthcare. Themes were developed by thematic synthesis in an eight-step process.

We identified 22 reports across 21 studies; 15 were published in the last 10 years. Six initial themes were identified and subsequently collapsed into two overarching themes: "holistic wellbeing" and "epistemological pluralism". The first theme highlights the need for healthcare to adopt a holistic concept of health centred on nature. The second theme emphasises the importance of embracing diverse epistemologies to achieve optimal health outcomes. Together, these themes suggest that healthcare systems should be guided by a more inclusive, environmentally focussed understanding of health rather than by a predominantly technical paradigm.

Literature on the relationship between traditional knowledge, planetary health and healthcare is both limited and recent. The review suggests that healthcare systems should incorporate respect for nature, diverse cultures and local contexts.