Interconnected health : A concept analysis of planetary empathy for healthcare professionals

Journal article

Levett-Jones, Tracey, Tunks Leach, Katie J., Rogers, Heidi Honegger, Richards, Catelyn, Best, Odette and Ward, Aletha. (2025). Interconnected health : A concept analysis of planetary empathy for healthcare professionals. Nursing Outlook. 73(1), p. Article 102337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102337
AuthorsLevett-Jones, Tracey, Tunks Leach, Katie J., Rogers, Heidi Honegger, Richards, Catelyn, Best, Odette and Ward, Aletha
Abstract

Background
Planetary Health emphasizes the interconnectedness of human health and the natural environment. Despite this, human-induced destruction of ecosystems threatens planetary stability. Understanding planetary empathy may offer insights into how healthcare professionals can better live and work with nature.

Purpose
This paper presents a concept analysis of planetary empathy, exploring its impact on healthcare and the roles of healthcare professionals.

Methods
The Walker and Avant eight-stage approach for concept analysis informed this paper. Data were obtained from literature searches, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and relevant international organization websites.

Discussion
Planetary empathy is a cyclical process involving reflection, reciprocal relationships with nature, recognition of biases, responsibility for future generations, and behavioral responses to protect planetary health.

Conclusion
Planetary empathy catalyzes prosocial environmental behaviors. Healthcare professionals who embody this empathy are more likely to be engaged in creating a healthier, more equitable world for all people and ecosystems.

Keywordsplanetary empathy; empathy; planetary health; health professional; healthcare
Year2025
JournalNursing Outlook
Journal citation73 (1), p. Article 102337
PublisherElsevier Inc.
ISSN0029-6554
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102337
PubMed ID39637482
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85211018293
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
Page range1-13
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online04 Dec 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted12 Nov 2024
Deposited02 Jun 2025
Additional information

© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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