Assessing the Effectiveness of Heat Adaptation Digital Messages From Primary Care Providers to Their Patients on the Change in Behaviour for Heatwave-related Preparedness

Summary

Extreme heat events pose a significant health threat in Canada, as demonstrated by the 2021 heat wave that claimed over 600 lives in Western Canada. Most heat-related deaths occur indoors and are preventable. Primary care providers (PCPs), who serve 88% of Canadians, are uniquely positioned to identify and support at-risk individuals. Heat Smart, in alignment with Heat Alert and Response Systems (HARS), aims to bridge the gap between primary care and public health to enhance community resilience and reduce health inequities related to extreme heat events.

This randomized control trial in Eastern Ontario will examine whether patients receiving tailored digital health messages from their family physician or nurse practitioner change their behaviour to protect themselves from extreme heat-related illness. The Heat Smart study will:

* Assess risk: Analyze electronic medical records and patient surveys to identify vulnerable individuals.
* Deliver tailored messages: Send personalized digital guidance via e-mail or text, offering heat safety advice and local resource information in English and French.
* Issue early warning alerts: Notify at-risk patients of upcoming heat events, prompting action.
* Evaluate impact: Use surveys and health data to measure effectiveness in reducing heat-related health impacts.

Short-term outcomes include increased awareness and preparedness among patients about heat-related health risks. Long-term goals involve scaling the intervention across Canada to reduce heat-related illnesses, enhance social connectedness, and decrease healthcare utilization.

Conditions

• Heathly Subjects
• Primary Health Care
• Climate Change
• Public Health
• Preventive Health Services (PREV HEALTH SERV)
• Environmental Exposure
• Risk Reduction Behavior
• Heat Stress Disorders
• Heat Exposure

Interventions

OTHER

Heat adaptation digital messaging

Digital messages to equip and prepare patients for extreme heat events. The first message will to encourage patients to prepare by creating a heat safety plan, and to form Check-in Companion groups among friends, neighbours, and relatives as well as to connect patients with existing key infrastructure that can be vital during heat events (ex: cooling stations and public facilities with air conditioning). When a heat-advisory is announced, additional messages will be sent to alert patients in the Treated group to activate their heat safety plans.

OTHER

Non-heat-related digital messaging

Digital health promotion messages not related to heatwaves

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute

  collaborator OTHER

• Hopital Montfort

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-04-01

Primary Completion

2027-09-30

Completion

2028-03-31

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations