PHC-Heat
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Project Team University of Vienna
- Prof. Dr. Kerstin Hämel, Project Lead Austria
- Mascha Ertel, MSc, Research Associate
- Evelyn Hutter, MA, Research Associate
- Eva Krabb, MSc, Research Associate
- Lara Sanelli, MSc, Research Associate
- Jayme Tauzer, PhD, Research Associate (currently on leave)
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Project Team Rio de Janeiro
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) & Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca (ENSP/FIOCRUZ)
- Prof. Dr. Cassiano Mendes Franco, Project Lead Brazil (UFRJ)
- Prof. Dr. Márcia Aparecida Ribeiro de Carvalho, Research Associate (UFRJ)
- Jacqueline Carvalho, MSc, Research Associate (ENSP/FIOCRUZ)
- Prof. Dr. Lígia Giovanella, Research Associate (ENSP/FIOCRUZ)
- Michelly Ribeiro dos Santos, Student Assistant (UFRJ)
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Cooperation Partners Austria
- Ian Langner, BSc MBA, Health Expert, The Primary Health Care Platform, Department for Primary Health Care and Coordinated Health Service Delivery, The Austrian National Public Health Institute (GÖG)
- Dr. Andrea E. Schmidt, MSc, Head of Department, Climate Resilience and One Health, Competence Centre Climate and Health, The Austrian National Public Health Institute (GÖG)
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Cooperation Partners Brazil
- Prof. Dr. Nadia Spada Fiori, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL)
- Raphael Costa Pinto, Municipal Health Department of Rio de Janeiro
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Funding Institution
The project is funded by the Federal Ministry Women, Science and Research, Republic of Austria in the frame of the OeAD-programme Scientific & Technological Cooperation Austria/Brazil.
The Brazilian funding part is provided by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico).
Introduction
Climate change is a key public health issue, with vulnerable older adults living in large cities experiencing disproportionate heat-related health risks and adverse outcomes. Primary health care (PHC), serving as the first level contact point to health systems, is well-positioned to promote the health and well-being of vulnerable older populations experiencing heat wave related risks. Significant gaps remain in understanding how primary health care professionals can develop approaches that address heat wave risks.
Aim of the Study
With the study, we aim to explore and compare how primary health care practitioners and intersectoral partners promote the health and well-being of vulnerable older populations during heat waves in two cities, Vienna, and Rio de Janeiro. In our qualitative cross-country comparative study, we will delineate existing approaches, understand implementation realities, and identify facilitators and barriers to heat resilience promotion in primary health care.
Methodological Approach
We employ a qualitative focus group approach, engaging intersectoral stakeholders (healthcare administrators, policy makers, climate experts) and multiple professionals practising in primary health care (physicians, nurses, community health workers, social workers, etc.). Thematic analysis will be employed to analyse the data by a deductive-inductive approach.
All steps will be undertaken closely with the Austrian and Brazilian research teams. International conference presentations and peer-reviewed articles will disseminate findings. The knowledge produced will inform the primary health care system, strengthen strategies for heat wave resilience in large cities, and define future research needs while building research capacity for collaborative research projects between the University of Vienna and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.