Abstract: SA-PO066
Climate Change and Sustainability in Kidney Care in Canada: A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Survey by the Canadian Society of Nephrology's Sustainable Nephrology Action Planning Committee
Session Information
- Diversity and Equity: Other Research
November 04, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Authors
- Ethier, Isabelle, Centre Hospitalier de l'Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Tarakji, Ahmad R., St. George Medical Center, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- Stigant, Caroline E., Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Group or Team Name
- Canadian Society of Nephrology - Sustainable Nephrology Action Planning Committee.
Background
Climate change impacts kidney health while threatening the stability of kidney care delivery systems, while health care itself has a significant environmental impact. Knowledge and attitude of Canadian kidney care providers toward climate change is unknown, and there are limited published data on environmental sustainability measures in kidney care in Canada. This study aimed to (1) assess knowledge and attitude about climate change among Canadian kidney care providers; (2) establish the current state of kidney care sustainability activities in Canada.
Methods
An electronic KAP survey, created by the Canadian Society of Nephrology – Sustainable Nephrology Action Planning (CSN-SNAP) committee, was distributed to kidney care providers across Canada.
Results
A total of 386 individuals completed the survey, while an additional 130 incomplete answers were provided. Most respondents (79%) identified as women and 26%, 31% and 26% were aged 30-39, 40-49 and 50-59 years, respectively. Consultant nephrologists and kidney nurses comprised 23% and 44% of respondents, respectively. Most respondents were either extremely (25%), very (46%) or moderately (23%) concerned about climate change; and similarly extremely (23%), very (39%) or moderately (28%) concerned about the amount of waste generated in their kidney care program. Respondents deemed reducing the carbon footprint important in both their personal lives (very 39%; important 35%; fairly 17%), and in the kidney care services they provide (very 34%; important 37%; fairly 18%). The sustainable strategies most frequently incorporated into kidney care were reduced use of office consumables and equipment, water saving taps, waste management (mostly bins, including recycling), clinical care consumables’ use prioritized by expiry dates, virtual care options to minimize unnecessary transportation, and medication stewardship strategies.
Conclusion
Most Canadian kidney care providers are highly concerned about climate change and think it is important to reduce the environmental impact in both their personal lives, as well as in the kidney care services they provide. Few sustainable strategies are incorporated into kidney care services across the country.