Canadian healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards climate change and the environmental impact of inhalers

Introduction Preferential prescribing of inhalers with low carbon footprints over metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) can reduce healthcare’s climate impact. We aimed to assess healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) attitudes towards climate change, its health impacts, and inhaler prescribing practices. Methods We invited HCPs via professional societies and non-profit organizations to complete an online survey (November 2024-March 2025). Multivariable regression examined associations between sociodemographic characteristics and climate change risk perception index (CCRPI) scores, inhaler carbon footprint awareness, and prescribing behaviors. Results In total, 430 HCPs responded (median age: 41 years (IQR: 34–50); 74% women; 94% completion rate). Climate change concern was high [median CCRPI score 34/40 (IQR: 30–37)]. Most respondents (85%) were aware of inhaler carbon footprint variability. Nurses and nurse practitioners were less likely than physicians to be aware of this variability (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11–0.75). Only 49% of prescribers preferentially prescribed low carbon devices to new inhaler users and just 17% routinely switched current MDI users. Higher CCRPI scores were associated with greater awareness of inhaler carbon footprint variability (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.04–1.72) and preferential prescribing of low carbon devices for new inhaler users (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.32–2.23) and current MDI users (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.03–1.68). Carbon footprint ranked 8th (IQR: 7–10) among 12 attributes influencing device selection. Conclusion Despite significant concern for climate change and awareness of inhaler-related carbon emissions, preferential prescribing of low carbon inhalers is not part of routine practice. Targeted interventions are needed to support climate-conscious prescribing and reduce inhaler carbon emissions.