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. 2025 Apr;44(4):951-961.
doi: 10.1007/s10096-025-05064-1. Epub 2025 Feb 13.

Infectious Disease Specialists' awareness, perceptions and attitudes toward ecological transition in healthcare: a cross-sectional study in France

Mathilde Réveillon-Istin  1 , Véronique Mondain  2 , Emmanuel Piednoir  3   4 , Sylvain Diamantis  5 , Laure Bonnet  6 , Anne-Lise Beaumont  7   8
Affiliations

Infectious Disease Specialists' awareness, perceptions and attitudes toward ecological transition in healthcare: a cross-sectional study in France

Mathilde Réveillon-Istin et al. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

Introduction: Climate change is having a major impact on public health. The healthcare system is responsible for around 8% of greenhouse gas emissions in France. Infectious diseases (ID) lie at the heart of these consequences.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to assess the expectations of French ID specialists in terms of a sustainable healthcare transition. Secondary objectives included the assessment of awareness regarding this subject, perceptions, adopted attitudes and opportunities for actions.

Methods: A survey on sustainable healthcare transition was sent to all the French Society for ID members.

Results: Of the 860 physicians approached, 220 responded. More than 78% of respondents responded correctly to questions concerning the impact of climate change on public health. The environmental impact of the healthcare system was less well understood. A higher level of environmental anxiety was associated with a higher rate of declaration of concrete actions. People under 40 years of age declared themselves to be more active. Regarding attitudes towards the roles of different stakeholders in a sustainable healthcare transition, the role of medical societies is prominent. Respondents' main expectations and suggestions are the following: (1) creation of a cross functional group dedicated to a sustainable healthcare transition, (2) creation of a training program, to meet the training needs of 94% of respondents, (3) continuation of the French Society for ID's lobbying for the relocation of antibiotic production in Europe, research on life-cycle analysis of anti-infective drugs, single-dose packaging for antibiotics, (4) reflection on the concept of "sustainably designed healthcare" in ID, (5) continued exploration of the "One Health" concept and (6) development of recommendations for sustainably designed hygiene practice.

Conclusion: This national survey of French ID specialists is a prerequisite for the implementation of actions within the French Society for ID.

Keywords: Ecological transition; Infectious disease; One health; Sustainable healthcare transition.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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