Planetary health training needs in Italy: an exploratory institutional survey within a national environment and health project
4 affiliations
- 1Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , ,
- 2Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam , ,
- 3Regional Health Authority of Emilia-Romagna , ,
- 4Epidemiology Unit, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia , ,
Abstract
Introduction: The Planetary Health approach, which recognizes the interdependence between human health and the integrity of natural systems, is increasingly considered essential for addressing health challenges related to climate change and environmental degradation. Integrating this perspective into the education and professional development of environment and health practitioners is a priority, especially in countries facing significant climate-related pressures. This study explores perceived Planetary Health training needs among Italian institutions working in the transdisciplinary field of environment and health.
Methods: An exploratory survey was distributed among 21 partner institutions of a national Ministry of Health project on outdoor air quality and health, including universities, national research institutes, local health authorities, public health authorities, and regional environmental protection agencies. The questionnaire assessed perceived training needs, preferred training delivery formats, and target professional profiles. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse responses.
Results: Fourteen institutions completed the survey (66.7%), including institutions from public health, environmental protection, research, and academic settings. The most frequently identified needs were understanding the health impacts of pollution (78.6%), stakeholder and public engagement in decision-making processes (64.3%), and advanced environmental epidemiology (57.1%). Preferred delivery formats included seminars (78.6%), short, practice-oriented specialized training courses (71.4%), and distance learning (50%). The range of professional profiles identified as potential participants suggests that future training initiatives may need to accommodate diverse professional backgrounds.
Conclusion: This exploratory survey provides preliminary, project-based information that may inform the development of a postgraduate training course for professionals working within participating Italian environment and health institutions. The findings may guide the initial design of educational activities that combine structured and flexible learning options for the participating institutions.
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BibTeX
@article{panariello2026planetary,
title = {{Planetary health training needs in Italy: an exploratory institutional survey within a national environment and health project}},
author = {Fabio Panariello and Sofia Mao and Tindara Scirocco and Mattia Di Russo and Giulia Congedo and Stefania Bruno and Chiara Cadeddu and Paola Angelini and Paolo Giorgi Rossi and Walter Ricciardi and Leonardo Villani},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2026.1866999},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13661544},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Planetary health training needs in Italy: an exploratory institutional survey within a national environment and health project
AU - Fabio Panariello
AU - Sofia Mao
AU - Tindara Scirocco
AU - Mattia Di Russo
AU - Giulia Congedo
AU - Stefania Bruno
AU - Chiara Cadeddu
AU - Paola Angelini
AU - Paolo Giorgi Rossi
AU - Walter Ricciardi
AU - Leonardo Villani
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/30
JO - Frontiers in public health
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1866999
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13661544
AB - Introduction: The Planetary Health approach, which recognizes the interdependence between human health and the integrity of natural systems, is increasingly considered essential for addressing health challenges related to climate change and environmental degradation. Integrating this perspective into the education and professional development of environment and health practitioners is a priority, especially in countries facing significant climate-related pressures. This study explores perceived Planetary Health training needs among Italian institutions working in the transdisciplinary field of environment and health. Methods: An exploratory survey was distributed among 21 partner institutions of a national Ministry of Health project on outdoor air quality and health, including universities, national research institutes, local health authorities, public health authorities, and regional environmental protection agencies. The questionnaire assessed perceived training needs, preferred training delivery formats, and target professional profiles. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse responses. Results: Fourteen institutions completed the survey (66.7%), including institutions from public health, environmental protection, research, and academic settings. The most frequently identified needs were understanding the health impacts of pollution (78.6%), stakeholder and public engagement in decision-making processes (64.3%), and advanced environmental epidemiology (57.1%). Preferred delivery formats included seminars (78.6%), short, practice-oriented specialized training courses (71.4%), and distance learning (50%). The range of professional profiles identified as potential participants suggests that future training initiatives may need to accommodate diverse professional backgrounds. Conclusion: This exploratory survey provides preliminary, project-based information that may inform the development of a postgraduate training course for professionals working within participating Italian environment and health institutions. The findings may guide the initial design of educational activities that combine structured and flexible learning options for the participating institutions.
SN - 2296-2565
ER -