Use websites and handouts
Including climate issues in pediatric visits is definitely important, Suzanne Boulter, MD, of the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, N.H., said in an interview.
“Some questions are more critical in warm weather environments where children are at higher risk for dehydration and heat exposure,” said Dr. Boulter, who was not involved with the guide preparation. “The list of suggestions for participation in outdoor sports in hot weather is comprehensive, and the data on ER visits in summer months is surprising,” she noted. However, some of the data could have included more explanation, such as what air quality actually measures, and the difference between ambient temperature and heat index, and how they are calculated, she noted.
Questions about diet, air conditioning, and backup power sources may be covered in other areas of the pediatric visit, or on questionnaires prior to the visit, Dr. Boulter added.
The main barrier to incorporating climate-related information during the pediatric visit is the limited time allotted for the visit and number of topics to address, said Dr. Boulter. “Pediatric practices that have websites could post seasonal reminders about sports participation health in hot weather, or have printed brief handouts for patients in the office,” she noted. Alternatively, guidance about sports and the impact of climate could easily be given as a short handout to families during the health visit, she said.
Future research might include a focus on assessing families’ knowledge and behavior before and after climate change counseling, Dr. Boulter added.
Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Boulter had no financial conflicts to disclose. Dr. Boulter serves on the editorial advisory board of Pediatric News.