P-556 Mobile Nursing Services and Climate Change - Perceptions and Challenges

Introduction In Germany, four out of five patients in need of care are cared for at home, often with the support of mobile nursing services. Although the impact of heat waves in relation to climate change is increasingly in focus for inpatient care, the consequences for patients as well as workers in mobile care services remain underexplored. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions and challenges of heat waves on patients and workers’ health in mobile nursing services. Methods A 30 items containing questionnaire was distributed among mobile care services in a major German city. The questions included perceptions of climate change, impact on own and patients’ health as well as measures in the event of a heat wave. Results The mobile services cared for an average of 177 patients. Although, 79% of the services were interested in training on climate change, 38% of the participants did not feel sufficiently informed about heat protection measures. In terms of protective measures for the workers, light clothing (70%) and more rest on hot days (50%) were offered. However, 47.5% of the participants reported no concrete plan of action for dealing with heat events at work. Discussion The knowledge and implementation of protective measures during heat waves for workers as well as patients remains challenging. Setting-specific heat protection measures should be implemented in early education and continued training. In addition, a heat wave action plan for mobile care services should be established and distributed. Conclusion Heat waves remain a challenge for mobile nursing services workers.