Climate change and planetary health collaborations in the context of an occupational therapy telehealth intervention for families of children and youth with special health care needs

Families of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) have been insufficiently considered in research about the health effects of climate change. Using a planetary health lens, we discuss this issue in the context of specific interprofessional collaborations around climate change, equity, and health promotion in New Hampshire. We present an organizational case series reflecting these inter-related collaborative initiatives, centered around an occupational therapy (OT) telehealth intervention for families of CYSHCN. This case series showcases interprofessional dialogue and knowledge-transfer activities pertaining to climate-related concerns affecting vulnerable populations. Practice-engaged research methods (e.g., case-based dialogues, reflection, surveys, visual models and diagrams) and telehealth modalities were used to iteratively assess needs, share resources, and facilitate transdisciplinary co-learning. Bridging interprofessional practice, telehealth, and planetary health, we developed the Climate-Centered Continuum of Care (ClCC) model and case-based educational products reflecting our ongoing collaborative efforts. This case series demonstrates how knowledge-transfer initiatives can be integrated into care models for vulnerable populations.