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.
Adults (18 years and older)
Patients must be registered with a participating PCP.
They must have had at least one visit with their PCP in the past two years to ensure active engagement.
Participants must have an active email, cell phone or messaging service (SMS) to receive Heat Smart digital messages.
None
Parallel
Heat adaptation digital messaging
Other interventionDigital 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.
Non-heat-related digital messaging
Other interventionDigital health promotion messages not related to heatwaves
Number of participants who report adopting at least one heat adaptation behaviour via self-report survey
Participants will be asked: "Have you taken any action to prepare for a heat wave?" (yes/no).
Number of heat-adaptation behaviours self-reported by the participants.
Participants will be asked a question about which heat-adaptive behaviours they undertook prior to the most recent heat wave.
Self-reported heatwave-related challenges: frequency of economic and lifestyle impacts
Participants will select from a list of impacts (e.g., missed work, medical costs, utility bills, missed activities, increased caregiving responsibilities). Results will be reported as the proportion selecting each option.
Heatwave health risk and preparedness beliefs - Likert scores
Participants will respond to three belief statements on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree): 1. If I do not take steps to cool my home, keep my body cool, or stay hydrated during a heatwave, I may experience a medical emergency 2. I believe I have the resources and information needed to avoid a medical emergency during a heatwave. 3. Staying in touch with someone during a heatwave is important for my health.
Frequency of social interactions during heatwaves
Participants will report number of in-person or virtual interactions during the most recent heatwave using categorical options (none; 1-3; 4-6; 7+). Responses will be summarized as proportions by category.
Knowledge of heat waves - score based on number of correct answers
Four true/false questions assessing understanding of the health risks of heatwaves
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Hopital Montfort
Lead sponsor
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute
Collaborator
