High consciousness—low application

Sustainable development and sustainable healthcare in undergraduate physiotherapy education in Sweden

Bibliographic Data

ID22087869
AuthorsEmma Swärdh (0000-0002-2345-4721, Karolinska Institutet, corresponding author), Nina Brodin (0000-0002-3589-664X, Danderyds sjukhus), Annie Palstam (0000-0002-7127-213X, Dalarna University), Anna Pettersson (0000-0001-6610-4353, Karolinska Institutet)
Year2024
Volume12
Pages1509997-1509997
Publication date2024-12-16
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2024.1509997
PMID39741934
OpenAlexW4405456360
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited81

Background: Swedish undergraduate physiotherapy education lacks comprehensive integration of sustainable development in curricula. Factors related to educators' perspectives in preparing future physiotherapists for sustainable development and sustainable healthcare may shed light on this shortcoming. Aim: This study aims to describe Swedish physiotherapy educators' (i) consciousness of sustainable development and its inclusion in teaching and learning activities, (ii) ecological worldviews, (iii) attitudes toward sustainability and climate change in physiotherapy, (iv) perceptions of education for sustainable development and sustainable healthcare and (v) examine the relationship between ecological worldview and attitudes toward sustainability and climate change in physiotherapy. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed using a digital survey to collect data from educators within undergraduate physiotherapy education at five higher education institutions in Sweden. Data was collected using the Sustainability Consciousness Questionnaire, the New Ecological Paradigm Scale, the Sustainability Attitudes in Nursing Survey 2, and questions related to knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy for education for sustainable development and sustainable healthcare. Result: Most, but not all, of the 72 educators, (76%) were aware of Agenda 2030 and the sustainable development goals, and 17% included perspectives related to sustainable development in teaching and learning activities. The educators endorsed an eco-centered ecological worldview and had largely positive overall attitudes toward sustainability and climate change within physiotherapy. However, almost one-third (28%) disagreed that issues about climate change should be included in the physiotherapy curriculum. Most agreed about having content knowledge on climate and health (81%), while a smaller part agreed on having pedagogical content knowledge regarding how to inspire or educate for sustainable development (17-28%). There was also a wide variation in perceived self-efficacy in education for sustainable development and sustainable healthcare. Conclusion: Despite the endorsement of eco-centered ecological worldviews and a rather high consciousness of sustainable development as an overall concept, there remains a disconnect to educational attitudes and actions among Swedish physiotherapy educators. This points to the need to explore the narrative of sustainable development within physiotherapy in Sweden rooted in broader concept understanding, ethics, and reflective practice for sustainable development. A key priority should be to offer new perspectives on professional identity and continuing professional development within sustainable development

Consciousness · Health care · Medical education · Physical therapy · Political science · Sustainable development · Climate Change and Health Impacts · Medicine · Nursing · Occupational Therapy Practice and Research · Psychology · Sustainability in Higher Education

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