New GP training to recognise the health impact of climate change on allergy
4th February 2025
As a result of significant developments in healthcare and the increasing health impact of climate change, GPs across the country are to receive updated training in allergy and immunology.
Climate change and environmental factors are increasingly recognised as determinants for the allergen landscape and the impact it has on allergic disease. From 1st August 2025, the updated GP Curriculum will be implemented to include doctor training on how accelerating and largely man-made climate change is exacerbating respiratory health and allergy. While allergy is already included in the GP curriculum, greater emphasis will be given to allergy and immunology due to significant developments in climate change that can no longer be ignored.
According to Met Office data, the average January temperature has increased by 0.9 degrees Celsius over the past half decade with January 2024 being the warmest on record*.
Increasing temperatures and higher ambient C02 levels are causing plants and trees to flower earlier resulting in lengthening pollen seasons. On average, spring flowers and trees are blooming a month earlier** than 50 years ago.
The British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI), the UK’s leading organisation for healthcare professionals caring for patients with allergy for 75 years, particularly welcomes the new changes.
Dr Robin Gore, BSACI President, commented, “We’re really pleased to see the expansion of the RCGP curriculum on allergy and clinical immunology. As part of BSACI education strategy, the BSACI Allergy Education Network (BAEN) will prioritise the development of educational content for colleagues working in the community. We look forward to welcoming more colleagues from general practice into the field of allergy and clinical immunology, and working together to improve the provision of allergy care in the UK.”
To support UK doctors already involved in delivering allergy services in their local area (including providing community services or supporting specialist allergy units), the BSACI has developed a GP accreditation programme backed by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). The framework for the programme ensures GPs are competent and qualified and are provided with the latest up-to-date information in which to manage patients with allergies.
Dr Elizabeth Angier, who led on the creation of the GP with extended role in Allergy (GPwER) accreditation, commented, “I’m delighted to see that the RCGP has included greater detail to their curriculum on allergy and climate change. This reflects how often we are seeing people in the community with allergic conditions and the importance of early recognition and management. The BSACI has recognised the need for further primary care training and support. They have just implemented GPwER accreditation and GP colleagues are now starting to apply for this.
A BSACI online education platform is due to be launched later this year to provide affordable education resources for GPs to be able to meet the ever-changing needs of those with allergies.
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