Nurses’ Perceptions of Climate Change and its Effects on Health: A Qualitative Research Protocol

Abstract

Background: Climate change represents a serious threat to the health of the population. Nurses are the ideal group to act on the health risks posed by climate change. However, their perception of this phenomenon is unknown, as existing studies are very scarce. An in-depth study of nurses’ perceptions of climate change is needed. For this purpose, qualitative research is the best alternative. Objective: To understand nurses’ perceptions of their role as health assets in relation to climate change. Methods: A qualitative study will be carried out. The sample will be selected by means of purposive sampling with a maximum variation approach and will be defined by the data saturation criterion and will include nurses from different health units and regions of Spain. Semistructured interviews will be conducted using a videoconferencing platform. The interviews will be transcribed and analysed by several researchers using the logic of a three-step thematic analysis. Discussion: The results of this study will provide for the first time a clear, in-depth, and representative picture of Spanish nurses’ perceptions of climate change. This is essential for the development of concrete measures through which nurses become real health assets in the face of climate change.