Survey Finds HCPs Lack Knowledge of Climate Change’s Impact on Kidney Care

A multinational survey of health care professionals (HCPs) revealed a knowledge gap about the impact of climate change on kidney health and the environmental burden of kidney care.

Shaifali Sandal, MD, and other researchers conducted the cross-sectional survey to better understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HCPs regarding the relationship between climate change and kidney health. The survey also sought to identify initiatives in sustainable kidney care and strategies to increase engagement and compared HCPs’ responses by the income level of their countries. Results appeared in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

Of 972 respondents from 108 countries, fewer than 50% were knowledgeable about the effects of climate change on kidney health or the environmental impact of kidney care, although knowledge was higher among respondents from lower-income countries. Only a minority reported participation in climate-related kidney health initiatives or in personal or organizational initiatives in environmentally sustainable kidney care; this was true regardless of the income level of the HCP’s country.

Although opinions differed by income level, most survey respondents indicated that guidance/toolkits, continuing education, and opportunities were the best ways to improve engagement.