Incorporating Environmentally and Climate-Friendly Medication in GP Consultations: Patient Perspectives- Results from a qualitative Study

Dana Neumann, Frank Müller, Christiane Müller

Keywords: climate change, environmental protection, doctor-patient relationship, medication

Background:

Since pharmaceuticals are the primary source of carbon emissions in primary care, avoiding the prescription of specific climate-harmful medications can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gases. GPs may include the environmental impact of medications in shared decision making, e.g. consider to prescripe less climate or environmental hazardous medications. It is not yet known how patients perceive the inclusion of these topics into the medical consultation and what they expect in this regard.

Research questions:

How do patients perceive the discussion of impact on environment/climate of drugs in GP encounters?
Are patients willing to consider environmental and climate aspects? Are they open to change to a more environmental/climate-friendly medication?

Method:

A total of 25 qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with adult patients with an ongoing drug prescription from German GP practices. Patients were selected applying a maximum variation approach. Interview transcripts were analyzed using structured content analysis.

Results:

The interviews will be completed and evaluated by September 2024. Preliminary analyses indicate that patients are surprised when environmental or climate protection is discussed during consultations with their GP. Most patients are unaware that medications can be harmful to the environment or climate. Many express willingness to switch to more environmentally friendly medications, accepting some disadvantages, such as more frequent intake, increased side effects, or co-payments. Patients trust their GPs' recommendations regarding behavior and medication in this context and seek more information and transparency on the subject.

Conclusions:

Patients are open to discussing these topics and willing to switch to more eco-friendly medications despite potential disadvantages. Integrating the views of both patients and GPs will be crucial for developing a patient-centered communication tool for discussing environmental impact and considering it in shared decision making.

Points for discussion:

How would GPs include the topic in the consultation

Are GPs open to this topic themselves

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