2026

Cucchiaro, M; Magro, G.; Dentice, S.; Baggia, A.; Bahun, M.; Blek, Tiina; Leskovar, R.; Mäkelä, Jaana; Mlakar, S.; Moreale, R.; Pesjak, K.; Ramos-Morcillo, A.J.; Zadnikar, M.; Ruzafa-Martinez, M.; Palese, A.; Chiappinotto, S.

Introduction: Healthcare professionals are at the forefront of addressing the challenges posed by climate change and emerging diseases. In this context, education and sustainability must play a more central role in the global response to the climate crisis. This study aimed to summarise the existing knowledge on sustainability and green education in the healthcare field and to identify strategies for implementing and promoting the learning of these concepts in education. Methods: This is an integrative review. PubMed, Scopus and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched in July 2024. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO database (CRD42024570183). The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data extracted from studies were narratively summarised. The reporting phase followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Results: Twenty studies were included, involving medical, nursing and radiography students, healthcare professionals, educators, faculty members or trainers and directors of educational and training programs. In general, all studies’ quality appraisals were rated as good. Different definitions were reported for sustainability and green education. The strategies described aimed to improve education on sustainability, use a multiprofessional approach and facilitate the implementation of green practices. Four studies also investigated the impact of sustainability in health education on patients. Conclusions: Sustainability and green practices should be fully integrated into healthcare education through strategic approaches, equipping students and educators with the knowledge and values needed to address environmental and climate challenges.