Researchers conducted a scoping review to understand the impacts of climate change on respiratory healthcare systems. Selecting 67 studies, they asked: What are the key respiratory care delivery outcomes related to climate change and how are these impacts measured? What evidence exists to improve climate adaptation and infrastructure “hardening”? Where are the greatest gaps in the literature and which populations or geographical locations demand urgent intention and future investigation?
The authors presented results in these categories: Respiratory healthcare utilization; Respiratory-disease-related healthcare costs; Effects on select and vulnerable populations and geographic distribution; The role of telehealth; Power outages and adverse respiratory health outcomes; Effects on respiratory medication supply chains; The practice of respiratory medicine in a changing climate; and Adaptation for the future. Overall, they found extensive research on acute respiratory health impacts of climate change and extreme weather but were surprised to find few studies on health system adaptation. They also identified key topics for future research: Understudied populations; Going beyond acute care; and A focus on solutions.