570 - Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Incorporating a Climate Change Curriculum into Medical Training

Poster Number: 570
Publication Number: 570.116

Jonathan Cogen, Seattle Children's, Seattle, WA, United States; Alexandra Perkins, Seattle Children's, Seattle, WA, United States; Blair Mockler, Seattle Children's, Seattle, WA, United States; Alan Schwartz, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; Markus Boos, University of Washington School of Medicine, SEattle, WA, United States; Rebecca Philipsborn, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Anjana G. Radhakrishnan, APPD LEARN, Washington, DC, United States; Pragya Rai, n/a, Spokane, WA, United States; Pooja S. Tandon, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States; H Mollie Grow, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States

Background: The AAP emphasized in a 2007 policy statement the importance of educating trainees on the impacts of climate change on pediatric health, yet few studies have evaluated resident knowledge and attitudes about climate change-related health effects in children.

Objective: This multi-site study aims to assess resident 1) knowledge on climate change and health, 2) interest in incorporating climate and health content into medical training, and 3) preferred topics or activities to include in a climate and health curriculum.

Design/Methods: The survey instrument includes 35 multiple choice questions and was created by a multidisciplinary team of pediatricians, pulmonologists, pediatric residents, and climate advocates. In partnership with the APPD-LEARN network, an invitation to participate was sent to all APPD-LEARN-affiliated sites. Interested sites were asked to identify a site lead (e.g., resident or program director) to obtain local IRB approval and aid in recruitment. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze preliminary results.

Results: Among 190 LEARN-affiliated sites, 34 (18%) expressed interest in participation. As of January 3rd, 2022, 123 residents have completed the survey. Among participants, 74% were 25-30 years of age and 65% identified as female. While 97% of residents agreed that climate change is occurring, climate change-related knowledge was limited. Fewer than half (42%) of residents correctly identified the percentage of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (10%) emitted by the healthcare sector, and only 25% of residents felt moderately or very knowledgeable about the association between climate change and health. When asked if physicians should discuss climate change and its effects on health with patients and families, 67% of residents agreed or strongly agreed, yet only 29% of residents felt comfortable talking about these effects with patients or families. Only 47% of residents indicated that their training program has educational activities on climate change, while 81% of residents agreed or strongly agreed that a climate change curriculum should be incorporated into their training.Conclusion(s): A gap persists amongst pediatric training programs in implementing AAP guidance to educate residents about climate change and health, even as residents value this content. These activities can support patient care in the climate crisis and provide opportunities to advocate for policies that benefit child health.
Climate Change Survey ResultsNote: This table illustrates only a subset of survey questions.
Climate Change Survey ResultsNote: This table illustrates only a subset of survey questions.