Perspectives and Action on Climate-Related Health Impacts by Staff at Safety Net Clinics and Health Centers

Background. The attitudes and engagement of health care staff with climate and social factors relevant to health are increasingly important as climate change intensifies. Methods. We conducted secondary analysis of 296 survey responses from employees at health care safety net clinics and health centers across 48 U.S. states and territories to ascertain perception and engagement with climate risks and social determinants of health (SDOH) in their practices. Results. Most participants demonstrated understanding, confidence, and engagement with climate risks and SDOH. Participants scored higher on SDOH metrics than climate metrics. There was moderate correlation between engagement with SDOH and engagement with climate-related health issues across domains of knowledge, confidence, perceived importance, and consultation with patients. Conclusions. Health care workers who engaged with SDOH in their practice were also more likely to consult with patients on climate-related health impacts, suggesting that climate exposures could be integrated into clinical care as SDOH are.