Information and resources for health and social care professionals

Air quality resources for health and social care professionals

Air pollution is the largest environmental risk to public health and contributes to around 30,000 deaths in the UK each year. While exposure cannot be avoided completely, people can take simple actions to improve the air they breathe.

Health and social care professionals have an important role in supporting prevention by raising awareness of how people can reduce their exposure to air pollution.

You are highly trusted and have a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of air pollution through your existing interactions with patients.

These resources have been developed using a Very Brief Advice (VBA) approach.

This is a simple, evidence-based approach widely used across the NHS for smoking cessation and adapted for air pollution. It can take as little as 30 seconds and can be delivered opportunistically during routine consultations and other interactions with patients or clients.

Social care professionals may also find these resources useful when supporting clients, particularly during home visits.

Why this matters

The NHS 10 Year Health Plan places prevention at the heart of healthcare and sets out a shift from treating sickness to preventing illness. Supporting people to understand the health impacts of air pollution and take practical steps to reduce their exposure is an important part of prevention and helping people stay healthier for longer.

Resources to support you

We recommend starting with this 5-minute introductory film, which explains why air pollution matters for health and introduces the Very Brief Advice approach. This is followed by two short role play videos demonstrating Very Brief Advice in practice with different patients:

Further information can be found in the briefing note and FAQs. You can also download sample content for newsletters, social media and other communications aimed at health and social care professionals.

You can build your knowledge further by accessing the free online training from the Clean Air Academy. There are seven short evidence-based modules covering topics including air pollution and health, respiratory health, child health, maternal health and talking to patients about air pollution: www.cleanairacademy.org.uk

Resources for the public and patients

To support your conversations with patients and local residents and for displays in public settings, you can download (or request) free patient leaflets with advice and sign posting along with posters and waiting room tv screen content. All documents are linked in the Resource Section below. To request printed copies please email rosie.welch@suffolk.gov.uk.

About this programme

This programme has been funded by DEFRA and Suffolk County Council and developed collaboratively by NHS, local authority and public health partners across Suffolk and Essex, including Suffolk County Council, Essex County Council, Colchester City Council, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), NHS Essex and Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board.

It has been developed with input from healthcare professionals, public health specialists and local residents to ensure the resources are practical, evidence-based and relevant to everyday conversations.

If you have any feedback regarding the project or the resources, please email rosie.welch@suffolk.gov.uk.