MDH partners with Potter in how-to video about discussing climate change with patients

Seventy-five percent of Minnesota’s health care professionals agreed that climate change is happening, however, only 21% felt well prepared to discuss climate change, according to the recent study Understanding the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthcare Professionals toward Climate Change and Health in Minnesota.

To help close this gap, the University of Minnesota School of Nursing and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) partnered on an educational video, How to discuss the health impacts of climate change with patients in a clinical setting.

The video demonstrates best practices for patient-provider conversations about personal health risks in the context of a changing climate. In one scenario, the patient is engaged with the topic. In another scenario, the patient is not receptive to the topic and the provider redirects the conversation using a discussion technique.

“Climate change discussions can protect health by addressing existing risks, preparing patients for health impacts of a changing environment and encouraging stewardship of the natural world,” says Teddie Potter, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP, clinical professor and director of Planetary Health at the School of Nursing.

The video is available to all people on the MDH website, and national and international use by health professional schools and practicing professionals is anticipated.