Amid growing concerns about the interconnection between human health and environmental sustainability, there is an urgent need to integrate planetary health considerations into existing health guidelines and technology assessments. This comprehensive review aims to identify these considerations, setting the stage for future guidance on planetary health within the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework.
The protocol for this scoping review follows the JBI methodology. It involves an exhaustive search and screening process, encompassing multiple databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Global Health, among others. Supplementary resources include the GIN library, BIGG database, and various WHO and NICE websites. The search will be further enhanced by manually exploring unpublished documents via Google incognito mode.
Review Methodology
Two independent reviewers will screen and evaluate the full texts of identified documents against the eligibility criteria. Key information to be extracted includes document title, first author’s name, publication year, language, and type of document. The review will also consider whether the document is a guideline or HTA, its purpose, the developing organization, and the country of origin.
Further details to be extracted cover planetary health definitions, types of involved experts, study methods, and suggested assessment methods. Additional focus areas include the use of secondary data, life cycle assessment descriptions, and quality assessment measures. The review will also explore the intended audience, interventions, and applicable planetary health boundaries.
Data Analysis and Results Presentation
Data analysis will combine descriptive statistics with directed content analysis. Results will be presented in a narrative format, accompanied by tables and graphs. The measures of planetary health impact, biodiversity considerations, and mentions of one health or animal welfare will also be scrutinized.
Funding sources and conflicts of interest will be documented. The final review results are intended for submission to open-access peer-reviewed journals and will be disseminated at relevant planetary health conferences and workshops.
Practical Inferences for Stakeholders
- Incorporate planetary health definitions in health guidelines to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Engage a diverse range of planetary health experts to enhance guidelines’ relevance.
- Apply life cycle assessment tools for a thorough evaluation of health interventions.
- Ensure the consideration of social justice and global equity in health guidelines.
This review aims to bridge the gap between planetary health and existing health guidelines, providing a foundational basis for future GRADE guidance.
Original Article: Syst Rev. 2024 Jun 22;13(1):163. doi: 10.1186/s13643-024-02577-2.
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
