Climate change and health through "primary care physicians' eyes": a qualitative study

The revised European Definition of General Practice acknowledges primary care physicians' (PCPs) role in integrating environmental concerns and planetary health into daily practice, and strengthening community climate resilience and literacy. Data on PCPs' perceptions regarding their role in the climate crisis are scarce.

To explore how PCPs perceive climate health impacts, conceptualize their role and define their professional priorities regarding planetary health and sustainability.

PCPs with at least one year's work experience were recruited through a national professional network. Purposive sampling captured diversity in gender, various levels of work experience, region (urban, semi-urban, rural, and island) and work settings (public and private). Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted remotely and recorded. Thematic analysis was used.

Fifteen PCPs participated. Though few were unconvinced, almost all recognized climatic change and its impact on their community's health: increased morbidity and mortality from extreme weather, more respiratory, infectious diseases and chronic conditions, encumbered mental health, and lower food quality. Our findings indicate conflicting viewpoints over PCPs' role in the climate crisis, with most regarding themselves as advocates for climate resilience and sustainability of medical practices as well as educators of their community. Chronic fatigue, ill-preparedness, and perceived state responsibility deterred a few participants from raising community climate awereness. Climate-related health training was considered a high priority.

This study highlights the need to strengthen PCPs' awareness, capacity-building, and active participation in climate education and advocacy. Appropriate training is highly expected to increase PCPs' self-efficacy in strengthening their community's climate resilience.