Investigating the Effect of Weather Events on Primary Care Clinicians Across the United States

Abstract

Background: When we consider weather impacts, we mainly consider how the event affects the person, not the clinicians treating them. There is a paucity of studies discussing the effect of weather on the clinicians and the care of their patients.Methods: A survey covering weather effects was distributed to American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network (AAFP NRN) members in August 2020. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact tests were completed on the survey responses. Postsurvey interviews were conducted with selected respondents about specific weather events.Results: Survey respondents were US physicians (88.7%) and 84.9% indicated more than 1 type of event has affected their practice. Respondents were most affected by snow/snowstorm (81.1%) and indicated they had to close for the day or longer and staff were unable to make it into clinic (79.2%). Respondents indicated respiratory (94.5%), mental health (81.8%), and musculoskeletal conditions (50.9%) were most affected by weather. Interviews with selected respondents covered weather topics including winter, summer, and flooding.Discussion: Survey respondents/interviewees indicated weather affects them in a variety of ways including issues with patients' conditions and practice effects. Clinicians have noticed a change to their areas' weather over the years, but, generally, warming is occurring. ( J Am Board Fam Med 2024;37:95-104.