Health, energy vulnerability and climate change: a retrospective thematic analysis of primary care trust policies and practices.

OBJECTIVES: To review publicly available documents produced by primary care trusts (PCTs) to assess the extent to which local activity and planning consider energy vulnerability, climate change and sustainability. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective thematic content analysis of publicly available materials located on PCT websites. METHODS: Thematic content analysis of publicly available materials was undertaken by two researchers over a 6-month period in 2008. These materials were obtained from the websites of 30 PCTs in England. Materials included annual reports, plans, policies and strategy documents. RESULTS: Of the 30 PCT websites studied, four were found to have an absence of content related to climate change, energy vulnerability and sustainability. Of the remaining 26 PCT websites, consistent themes were found: strategic initiatives, joint working with other agencies, promoting sustainable communities, and targeted actions. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of good examples in sustainable development was predominantly limited to policy statements and strategic aims; evidence of action was limited. As champions of the public health agenda, PCT action on sustainability should be integral to all aspects of organizational governance.