The role of the public health service in the implementation of heat health action plans for climate change adaptation in Germany: A qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In response to climate change-induced increases in heat periods, the WHO recommends the implementation of heat health action plans (HHAPs). In Germany, HHAPs are implemented neither comprehensively nor nationwide. Several recommendations have identified the public health service (PHS) at municipal and federal state levels as a key actor regarding to heat and health. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the role of the PHS in implementing HHAPs at municipal and federal state levels in Germany.

Methods

We conducted a policy document analysis to assess the legal basis for the work of the PHS in the 16 federal states in Germany. Furthermore, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 experts from within and outside the PHS to explore their perceptions of the

SUBMITTER: Geffert K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11619655 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature