Planetary health and environmentally sustainable healthcare: perceptions of primary care practitioners in Ireland – a qualitative study

Background Human and planetary health are deeply interconnected and endangered by the triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Despite proactive measures being pursued to reduce healthcare’s overall environmental footprint, relatively few of these are directed at primary care, notwithstanding that it accounts for up to 25% of healthcare’s ecological impact. Within Ireland’s primary healthcare sector, despite a growing recognition of the importance of environmentally sustainable healthcare, little is known about the perspectives of those healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in the sector to delivering more environmentally sustainable primary care services.

Methods This qualitative descriptive study explored the knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacists, dentists, general practitioners and practice nurses working in primary care in Ireland, toward planetary health and sustainable healthcare. Semistructured interviews were conducted between May and September 2024 and analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis.

Results Analysis of interviews (n=20) produced a broad range of insights which were consolidated into three higher order categories. Findings revealed that while HCPs recognised the importance of climate action, many felt unable to translate concern into practical change in primary care due to barriers such as a lack of knowledge, limited guidance and inadequate system-level supports. HCPs emphasised the need for targeted training, access to practical tools and clear leadership from the relevant stakeholders.

Conclusion This study highlights the urgent need to shift from reliance on individual motivation to practice sustainably, to a coordinated public health response in Ireland. Achieving this requires educational and systemic changes, including supportive policy, incentivisation and practical sustainable interventions, to embed environmental sustainability into routine care.