Clinicians’ attitudes and perceptions of healthcare approaches to environmental sustainability within clinical nutrition: An international survey

Introduction:As global awareness of environmental challenges grows, integrating sustainability into clinical nutrition practices is essential to support both human and planetary health.Within healthcare systems internationally there are a number of barriers to enhanced sustainability which need to be understood, in order for them to be overcome.Method: A bespoke questionnaire-based survey was developed and disseminated internationally to healthcare professionals working in the sphere of clinical nutrition.Quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed on the recorded responses.Included within the survey was the Sustainability Attitudes Scale (SAS).Results: A total of 126 responses were collated from 18 countries worldwide.Dietitians comprised the largest represented profession with 35%, followed by doctors 32%.There was a strong opinion that sustainability in a very important aspect of respondents considerations, both in and outside of their working lives.99% stated they would be in support of changes aimed at making their clinical practice less harmful to the environment.87% stated that they had never received any formal training in improving sustainability, with a lack of knowledge or experience being recognized as a significant barrier to sustainability focused working practices.4% stated that it would not be acceptable to consider bearing the potential higher financial cost. Conclusion:The findings highlight a clear enthusiasm among clinical nutrition professionals for integrating sustainability into practice, despite widespread gaps in formal training and knowledge.Addressing these educational and systemic barriers is crucial to empowering healthcare providers to adopt environmentally responsible approaches.