The role of physiotherapy in climate change mitigation

Foo, Rebecca Yin

doi:10.1016/j.physio.2015.10.009

Cited by 10 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Traditional physiotherapy has focused on clinical practice, however the increasing role of physiotherapists in advocacy and public health is now recognised (Bessette, Généreux, Thomas and Camden 2020, Foo 2016, Giuffre, Domholdt and Keehan 2020, Kelland et al 2014. Public health interventions provided by physiotherapists have largely occurred in sports and occupational settings; both of which may involve environmental exposures.…”

Section: Advocacy and Public Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physiotherapy and ecosystem services: improving the health of our patients, the population, and the environment

Stanhope

Marić

Rothmore

et al. 2021

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice

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Introduction:The relevance of ecosystems to physiotherapy has traditionally been overlooked, despite its potential for positive health impacts relevant to conditions often managed by physiotherapists. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to introduce the concept of ecosystem services to physiotherapists, and to discuss how understanding ecosystem services may improve patient care, and population and planetary health. Discussion and Conclusion:Physiotherapists with an understanding of ecosystem services may improve patient care by value-adding to management through patient education, empathy, advocacy, and broader population health approaches.Physiotherapists are also well placed to promote the conservation and restoration of ecosystem through participation, advocacy, and the development of public health measures, to the benefit of global sustainability and population health. Further research is required into how physiotherapists currently use nature-based interventions, and the barriers and enablers to their use. To be adequately prepared to meet the challenges that climate change and environmental degradation pose to patient care, population health and health systems, both current and future physiotherapists need to take a broader view of their practice. By including consideration of the potential role of the environment and green space exposure in particular on their patient's health, physiotherapists can ultimately contribute more to population and planetary health.

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Section: Advocacy and Public Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physiotherapy and ecosystem services: improving the health of our patients, the population, and the environment

Stanhope

Marić

Rothmore

et al. 2021

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Any educational materials relevant to climate change and communication and swallowing disorders could be shared with SLTs and other rehabilitation workers in LMICs. SLTs can also use their knowledge to advocate for the development of climate change competencies and content to be incorporated into speech and language therapy associations, as has been occurring within other health professions (Foo 2016, Forrest et al 2020, Leffers et al 2017, RCN 2019; thus far, there is limited mention of climate change from speech and language therapy associations.…”

Section: Educating Slts On Climate Changementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although nursing and some allied health professions such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy (Foo 2016, Pollard et al 2020, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) 2019) have begun addressing climate change, the speech and language therapy profession has paid limited attention to this evidence. This is despite the effects of climate change on health, and thereby on communication and swallowing disorders.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What are the implications of climate change for speech and language therapists?

Sherratt

2020

Intl J Lang & Comm Disor

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Background: The emerging global issue of climate change has large-scale effects on health and well-being, including communication disorders. The broad range of the speech and language therapy profession's scope of practice incorporates prevention, advocacy and equality in service delivery. These act as a springboard for involvement in climate change and health. Aims: This is an appeal to speech and language therapists (SLTs) to focus and take action on this issue and its considerable effects on communication and swallowing disorders. Methods & Procedures: This article discusses the importance of taking a public health position on prevention and equality of services to manage environmental determinants of communication and swallowing disorders. It also describes the extent to which climate change affects these disorders and exacerbates the inequality of healthcare services in low-and middle-income countries. Main Contribution: Five strategies are provided for action on fulfilling therapists' roles in reducing the incidence, development and exacerbation of climate-related communication and swallowing disorders, as well as the role of SLTs in acting as advocates. The case is made for expanding the scope of services to focus on prevention and service equality so as to best meet the needs of the wider community. Conclusions & Implications: Despite other challenges currently facing SLTs, climate change and its increasing effects on communication disorders and dysphagia is difficult to ignore. SLTs owe it to their clients, the wider community, low-and middle-income countries, the economy, and the future to take action.

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“…For instance, encouraging the use of active transport, such as walking or cycling, which not only increases physical activity, but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution (Christe, 2021; Padhy, 2021). Physiotherapists can advocate for the health of vulnerable groups during extreme weather by providing strategies for individuals to safely maintain regular physical activity (Foo, 2016; Stanhope et al., 2021). Health promotion campaigns involving physiotherapists can educate the public on health‐related consequences of climate change (Legard et al., 2019; Toner et al., 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Australian physiotherapists' knowledge and views on the relationship between climate change, health, and physiotherapy

Chi,

Boucaut,

et al. 2024

Physiotherapy Res Intl

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Background and purposeClimate change is an important issue for the health of communities globally and the conduct of health care practice. Little is currently known about the knowledge and views of Australian physiotherapists in relation to the issue of climate change. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate Australian physiotherapists' views on, and practice in relation to, climate change and its effects on health.MethodsA quantitative cross‐sectional study using a modified version of a published survey was undertaken. Using a comprehensive distribution strategy, the survey (23 questions) was disseminated through professional associations, networks of the research team and social media. Data were summarized descriptively.ResultsOne hundred and thirty physiotherapists accessed the final survey. Ninety‐five surveys were eligible for analysis. 90.4% of participants were certain about the existence of climate change. 79.6% of participants thought that climate change was already impacting their patients' health, but only 19.4% of participants felt “very knowledgeable” about the health impacts of climate change. Main barriers to addressing climate change with patients were identified as lack of time and knowledge. 77.2% of participants indicated support for receiving education on climate change and health as continuing professional education. 70.9% of participants agreed that their professional association had a significant advocacy role in climate change and health.ConclusionAustralian physiotherapists are witnessing the impact of climate change and support strategies to mitigate it. These strategies can be implemented at an individual level (e.g., further physiotherapy training) and at a professional organizational level (e.g., guidance from professional associations).

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The role of physiotherapy in climate change mitigation

Cited by 10 publications

References 4 publications

Physiotherapy and ecosystem services: improving the health of our patients, the population, and the environment

Physiotherapy and ecosystem services: improving the health of our patients, the population, and the environment

What are the implications of climate change for speech and language therapists?

Australian physiotherapists' knowledge and views on the relationship between climate change, health, and physiotherapy

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