Finnish nurses' perceptions of the health impacts of climate change and their preparation to address those impacts

Background Climate change has a direct and indirect impact on human health that include health impacts from rising temperatures and poor air quality. This challenges the health sector in many ways. Nurses should be aware of these health effects and the patients who are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts caused by climate change. Purpose The objective of the study was to identify the health issues that Finnish registered nurses associate with climate change and to determine nurses' perception of their preparation to address the health impacts of climate change. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted through semi-structured focus group interviews. Results Nurses reported observing changes in health of their patient populations. The nurses attributed some changes in their patients' health to climate change. Interviewed nurses felt that climate change was not adequately addressed in their basic nursing education and in staff development. Conclusions It is important to include climate change and its impact on human health in the nurses' curriculum and in continuing education for practicing nurses.