Oxford Brookes University Researchers Advocate for Sustainable Healthcare

Exploring the role of occupational therapy in planetary health: Dr. Tanya Rihtman and Ka Yan Hess discuss sustainability in healthcare on the Oxford Brookes Unscripted podcast.

In a recent episode of the Oxford Brookes Unscripted podcast, Dr Tanya Rihtman, principal lecturer in Occupational Therapy, and Ka Yan Hess, senior lecturer and PhD candidate in the Department of Sport, Health Sciences, and Social Work, discussed the vital role of occupational therapy in promoting planetary health and sustainability.

The episode delves into how planetary health intersects with occupational therapy and why it’s crucial for healthcare professionals to integrate sustainability into their practices. The conversation highlighted how occupational therapists, by focusing on human occupation, assess the physical, social, and environmental factors that either enable or hinder individuals' ability to lead meaningful lives. Tanya emphasised that “planetary health and human health cannot be separated out,” stressing the critical impact of environmental health on overall well-being.

One of the key topics discussed was the importance of embedding planetary health into occupational therapy education. Both Tanya and Ka Yan are actively working to ensure students understand the broader environmental implications of their work. “Our profession has a unique role in addressing these concerns, helping people evaluate their lifestyle choices and considering their impact on the environment,” said Ka Yan.

The discussion also covered pressing global issues, such as climate change, and their direct effects on health. Ka Yan shared the sobering story of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah who lived in London. She was the first person in the world to have air pollution listed as a cause of death at the age of 9, to underscore the urgency of these challenges. This tragic example illustrates the growing role of healthcare professionals in addressing environmental health concerns.

Looking toward the future, the duo emphasised the need for a structured approach in education. In their paper, they proposed practical tools such as "environmental reasoning" and "sustainability reasoning," designed to help students and professionals incorporate environmental considerations into clinical decision-making.

The Occupational Therapy Programme at Oxford Brookes has already taken significant steps, for example by  incorporating sustainable quality improvement skills into the curriculum for occupational therapy and physiotherapy students. These efforts have earned the university the Beacon Site Accreditation for their commitment to sustainable healthcare.

Tanya concluded the podcast with a powerful message: “The time is now. We cannot wait any longer to address planetary health in healthcare education. We owe it to our students—and the planet.”

For those interested in learning more about their research and initiatives, Tany and Ka Yan. can be reached through their Oxford Brookes University profiles. You can also listen to the Unscripted episode.