Health Professionals' Thoughts and Experiences on the Effects of the Global Climate Crisis on Patients' Mental Health: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined healthcare professionals' perceptions of the climate crisis's impact on patients' mental health. Background: The global climate crisis poses significant challenges to mental health, influencing individuals’ psychological well-being and their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Materials and Methods: A phenomenological research approach was adopted, employing a qualitative design. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 healthcare professionals working in various regions of Türkiye. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling, and interviews continued until data saturation was achieved. All sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The study adhered to the COREQ checklist for reporting qualitative research. Results: Analysis revealed three main themes: the effects of climate change on healthcare professionals’ mental health, patients’ perceptions of climate change's impact on mental health, and the reflections of the global climate crisis on patient care. Seven sub-themes were also identified: direct, indirect, social, psychological, and physical effects. Findings indicated that both healthcare professionals and their patients experience negative mental health outcomes related to climate change. Conclusion: The study highlights that the global climate crisis adversely affects the mental health of healthcare providers and patients. These findings underscore the need for health policies and interventions that address the psychological consequences of climate change within healthcare settings.