A focus group study of ethical issues during climate-informed health decision-making

Andrew Hantel (), Emily Senay, Cristina Richie, Anna Revette, Brett Nava-Coulter, Fay J. Hlubocky, Thomas P. Walsh, Mark Siegler and Gregory A. Abel
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Andrew Hantel: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Emily Senay: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Cristina Richie: University of Edinburgh
Anna Revette: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Brett Nava-Coulter: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Fay J. Hlubocky: University of Chicago
Thomas P. Walsh: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Mark Siegler: University of Chicago
Gregory A. Abel: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Nature Climate Change, 2024, vol. 14, issue 10, 1040-1046

Abstract: Abstract Healthcare delivery contributes to carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change and its associated health impacts. There is limited understanding of stakeholder views regarding ethical issues at the intersection of health choices and environmental impact. Here we performed a qualitative study involving seven focus groups with 46 participants who were patients and physicians in the northeastern US health systems. Both patients and physicians were amenable to health decisions that are beneficial for the environment and health. A consumptive healthcare system impeded both groups’ assumption of health-related climate responsibilities. Physicians, however, underestimated patients’ interest in discussing the environmental impacts of health decisions. Patients expressed tension between a personal interest in limiting climate change through health choices and ensuring others were also accountable; they were also concerned that physician paternalism might impede climate-informed health conversations. These findings outline barriers to climate-informed healthcare and begin to establish how they can be addressed.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-02121-z

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