Abstract Body

Background:

2020-2021 brought a rapid escalation in the rate of change in workload and work practices for family physicians (FPs) and general practitioners (GPs) across Europe because of a pandemic. Changes in communication, lack of face-to-face care and less continuity brings more uncertainty to the work of a GP practice team. Challenges arise from coordination of care, access to services and the need to maintain trust with patients and colleagues.

Aim and learning objectives:

Participants who attend this workshop can expect to:

(1) watch a video compilation on the sources of stress in general practice in 2021 in Europe.

(2) hear presentations from a panel of speakers from different countries in Europe who share information on supports and innovations of WONCA Europe Member Organisations for the benefit of GPs / FPs during 2020-21 pandemic.

Breakout for interactive small group work OR discuss in a Q&A session with the panel of speakers for additional solutions to these stresses.

Methods

0-5 min. Introduction to the interactive section

5-15 min. VIDEO The covid pandemic and stress at work for the medical practice team

15-25 min. PANEL: Supports for GPs/FPs from member organisations in Europe

25-30 min. Introduction to group work 1

30-45 min. Group work 1

45-55 min. Short summary group work 1

55-60 min. Introduction to group work 2

60-75 min. Group work 2

75-85 min. Short summary group work 2

85-90 Concluding remarks

(Proposed) Results / Conclusions

Participants will identify a range of practical actions/activities to promote healthy workplace environments and educational resources for building resilient family medicine practices.

Abstract Body

Aim and Learning Objectives
Human Health and the future of our planet are interconnected and both are under pressure. Healthcare systems have a role in managing harms to human health and well-being from a changing climate. However, health systems also contribute to the carbon footprint.
The WONCA Working Party on Environment urges GPs / FD’s to lead on planetary health (PH).
The Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) Sustainability Working Group developed an infographic demonstrating various roles of the GP/FD in PH: 1) PH urgency 2) Quality of patient care and 3) Minimising waste in a health system with finite resources.
The Vasco da Gama Movement will conduct a SWOT analysis of the role of the GP clinician with a duty to mitigate the impact of environmental changes on the health of their community.

Methods
15-minute Plenary 1 Introduction to PH & Infographic
20-minute Break out session 1: PH activities in family practice
20-minute Plenary 2 Report from Breakout 1 and Introduction to Breakout 2
20-minute Break out session 2: SWOT analysis of GP role in PH
15-minute Plenary 3 Q&A C conclusion

Results
We expect that participants will explore their unique position in primary care for addressing PH. They will consider practical ways to improve environmental sustainability in their practice team and as part of a collaborative movement in European family medicine.

Conclusions
ICGP, EQuiP and the Vasco da Gama Movement have come together to raise awareness on greener practice in family medicine among member organisations within the WONCA Europe region. The conclusions will input into the EQuiP WG for Environmentally Sustainable Family Practice to guide the development of education on PH health and encourage advocacy for healthier people in healthier communities.