Abstract
Background
The 2022 heatwave in England highlighted the need for effective public health interventions like cooling centres in temperate climates where built-in air conditioning is uncommon.
Aim
To determine the impacts of cooling centres on heat-related health outcomes for users in temperate climates, assessing their effectiveness and identifying barriers to usage.
Methods
This systematic review analysed literature sourced from MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar from January 2010 to February 2023. Criteria for inclusion focused on studies evaluating health outcomes related to cooling centre use. Screening and quality assessments were independently conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.
Results
The review included six studies: three quantitative, three qualitative. Two were evidence synthesis of prior studies. No studies conclusively measured health and wellbeing outcomes directly after cooling centre use; instead, research emphasised user demographics, barriers, and facilitators. Common barriers included accessibility, operational hours, and public perceptions, which often misalign with user needs. Successful implementations were noted in centres integrated within community facilities like libraries or community centres. One modelling study suggested a number needed to treat to avoid one heat-related death of 1 million. The relevance of this is unclear as it was in a hotter climate with greater prevalence of air conditioning than in England.
Conclusions
While direct health benefits in cooler climates like England are poorly documented, cooling centres play an essential role in comprehensive heat response strategies. They offer potential social benefits and provide a cost-effective alternative to urban redesign. Future studies should aim to directly measure health outcomes and refine operational strategies to maximise benefits.
Key messages
• Cooling centres are crucial in comprehensive heat response strategies, yet direct evidence in cooler climates like England remains limited.
• Integration with existing community services may significantly enhance cooling centre utilisation and effectiveness.