Interactive Workshop on Identifying Health Effects of Climate Change in the Clinical Setting: An Occupational and Environmental Health Solution.

Abstract

Objective: To provide clinicians an occupational framework to assess climate-related health conditions, determine at-risk workers, and devise solutions.

Methods: An interactive workshop was presented at the 2022 American Occupational Health Conference (AOHC). Six climactic events related to occupational health were chosen with corresponding cases from National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Participants answered and discussed scripted questions. A 5-point Likert® Scale utilized by AOHC evaluated the workshop's quality and utility, and the audience's ability to apply the knowledge.

Results: Sixty-one (N = 66) participants ranked the workshop highly (4.4-4.6/5). Most participants (90%) reported incorporation of practical knowledge gained, increased advocacy capacity and ability to teach about the issue.

Conclusions: Successful integration of engaging interactive sessions in clinician education on climate change and health is critical as climactic conditions can increase patient vulnerability in their role as workers.