Training GPs as Clean Air Champions
People who live with respiratory and cardiac conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality and tend to use healthcare services more frequently.
Our Mobilising Primary Care on Air Pollution projects highlighted the importance of talking to patients about air pollution. Health professionals were provided with training on the causes and impacts of air pollution and how to support patients to protect their health.
An England-wide pilot project ran from October 2021 to August 2022. It was funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and was a collaboration between Global Action Plan, Imperial College London’s Environmental Research Group and the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC).
Joining forces with health professionals
We recruited 43 GPs and allied health professionals to form our first cohort of Clean Air Champions. Together with this group, we co-designed training workshops and created leaflets and posters on air pollution.
During a four-month trial period, our Clean Air Champions cascaded their new knowledge about air pollution to colleagues and patients across the country, and within local and regional NHS groups.
A second pilot project, funded by DEFRA and delivered in collaboration with Islington Council, saw a further 17 GPs and health professionals trained across the borough.
Boosting GPs' confidence to talk about air pollution
7% of GPs had spoken to patients about air pollution before training. After training this figure rose to 88%
52% of Islington patients who received advice from their GP changed their behaviour to reduce their exposure to air pollution.
100% of health care practitioners reported that the training was useful in preparing them to talk about air pollution.
Next steps: stimulating more conversations
The resources developed during these pilots are now being promoted by many of the medical royal colleges and health promotion organisations, enabling healthcare professionals across the country to have more conversations with patients about air pollution.
We also continue to push for air pollution to be included in healthcare curriculums and in Continuing Professional Development training so that all vulnerable patients can receive advice about air pollution.
Good for
Our lives: Share knowledge and solutions to reduce the impact air pollution has on our lives and our communities, offering a healthier way of living.
Our planet: Taking action on air pollution aligns with actions that help to tackle the climate and ecological crisis.