The Climate Conversation: Incorporating Planetary Health into Shared Decision-Making
By
Wendy Levinson
Jan Oudenes
Samir Gupta
June 11, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Integrating Environmental Health Considerations into Collaborative Patient Decision-Making
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Asthma management Key Mechanisms Incorporating climate impact into shared decision-making regarding medication choices. Target Population Patients with asthma, particularly those using metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). Care Setting Primary care and routine follow-up visits.
Key Highlights
91% of health professionals are concerned about climate change. 69% of patients consider environmental sustainability important in healthcare. MDIs have a tenfold higher carbon footprint compared to dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Shared decision-making can include climate impact as a consideration. Up to 30% of tests and treatments may be unnecessary, contributing to carbon emissions. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Assess asthma control and medication usage during follow-up visits. Management
Discuss the option of switching from MDIs to DPIs to reduce carbon footprint. Monitoring & Follow-up
Evaluate patient preferences and comfort with medication changes. Risks
Consider potential patient discomfort with discussing climate impacts. Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with well-controlled asthma using MDIs.
Switching to DPIs can provide equal clinical benefit with a lower environmental impact.
Clinical Best Practices
Incorporate climate considerations into shared decision-making. Use evidence-based practices to identify low-value care with high carbon footprints. Tailor discussions to individual patient values and preferences. Related Resources & Content
