Discussing Human and Environmental Health Co-Benefits Related to Diet and Mobility Behaviours in the Primary Care Setting: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

The interconnection between health and environment is increasingly recognised, as is the role of healthcare professionals in raising awareness among patients and healthcare policymakers. To explore the relevance of enhancing patients’ awareness of the links between health and environment in ambulatory care, we conducted a qualitative study on General Practitioner (GP) practices in Switzerland. Using a co-benefit approach, we designed materials on meat consumption and active mobility, which were displayed in the waiting rooms. We conducted observations in five practices and interviewed five patients and five GPs to examine patients’ understanding of the messages and assess the acceptability of discussing them during medical encounters. Patients and GPs were receptive to the co-benefit approach. However, barriers were identified in promoting co-benefits during clinical encounters, including time constraints and lack of knowledge. Patients showed reactance to the messages and questioned the reliability of messages related to climate change. GPs were reluctant to compromise relationships with patients and were ambivalent, viewing environmental discussions as political. Positive message display and community promotion were identified as facilitators. This study highlights the need to develop clear educational materials to support GPs, to adapt messages to patients’ backgrounds, and to address the dichotomy between GPs’ political and scientific perspectives.