Santé planétaire en lien avec le réchauffement climatique en soins primaires : comment changer les pratiques ? Une revue de littérature

Abstract

Background: Planetary health is defined by the Collège de Médecine Générale as "an evidence-based field of medicine focused on characterizing the links between changes in ecosystems due to human activities and their consequences for health." It was born in the mid-2010s from the observation that individual health was deteriorating as a result of environmental degradation. Today, planetary health remains a little-known area for doctors.

Objective: To identify concrete actions to be implemented in general practices to take account of the environmental dimension in patient care, in order to move toward a "planetary health" approach to practice.

Method: Literature review. The databases searched were Medline, LiSSa, and Cochrane. Articles written in English or French and published between March 8, 2014, and April 14, 2023, were included.

Results: This study highlighted actions aimed at managing and limiting the direct effects of global warming on health, others aimed at reducing the climate impact of health care, and finally actions in favor of a political and social commitment to planetary health. Two practical approaches were described: direct action with patients, and action to improve continuing education and knowledge.

Discussion: The concrete actions proposed in this update will provide an introduction to the concept of planetary health in general practice. Further research needs to be carried out in primary care to assess the impact of changing GP practices.