Climate Change and Human Health ECHO: Global Telementoring for Health Professionals

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) formulated an eight-week synchronous/virtual climate change and human health (CCHH) telementoring series for health professionals. The pilot series started with introductory presentations on climate change science and the gaps in climate change education and communication in the health professions. Week 2 associated climate change with human health outcomes, and weeks 3 through 7 covered air quality, excessive rainfall, water- and vector-borne disease, mental health, extreme weather events and disaster preparedness. The eighth week highlighted the importance of climate communication and future solutions. The series enrolled 625 unique participants representing 45 U.S. states and 25 countries. Nearly 17% (106 attendees) completed at least six CCHH ECHO sessions, earning a certificate of completion. Most polled participants said their training goals were met, and they planned to apply their new knowledge and could better communicate with other interprofessional team members. "Future CCHH ECHO telementoring programs may explore avenues to equip health professionals with the competencies needed to teach climate-related health effects at their own public health programs and healthcare institutions," the authors suggest.

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