[Hot weather and health risks in the focus of the Hessian health authorities : Inspection and consultation of residential care and nursing facilities since 2004].

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Heat extremes are associated with considerable health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. To counteract these risks, public health policy calls for protective measures to be linked to heat warnings. Such links do not generally exist in Germany, with the exception of the heat inspections and consultations carried out by the Hessian health authorities since 2004. The aims of this work were to identify the structures and processes of the Hessian heat inspections and heat consultations and to derive findings for acute response to heat in residential care and nursing facilities.

METHODS: We conducted 14 qualitative, semi-structured interviews with experts from the Hessian health authorities as well as with managers of residential care and nursing facilities. The analysis of the interview protocols was carried out using content-structuring qualitative content analysis. In addition, documents from the supervisory authority were analyzed.

RESULTS: Every year, up to 370 heat inspections are carried out in the approximately 2500 inpatient facilities in Hesse. They are either integrated into already planned inspections or carried out separately; they focus on preventive and acute measures. In principle, heat protection can be easily integrated into the daily routine of residential health facilities. High staff turnover and lack of resources pose challenges.

DISCUSSION: Inspections and consultations on heat management raise awareness of hot weather health risks and support the establishment of preventive measures. The Hessian system is a suitable orientation for other federal states.