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Wood CJ, Morton G, Rossiter K, Baumber B, Bragg RE. A qualitative study of the barriers to commissioning social and therapeutic horticulture in mental health care. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1197. [PMID: 38684984 PMCID: PMC11059742 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18621-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) is a process where trained practitioners work with plants and people to improve an individual's physical and psychological health, communication and thinking skills. Evidence suggests that STH can support individuals with mental ill-health, however, current commissioning of STH within mental health care is limited. This study aimed to understand the barriers to commissioning STH in mental health care and to identify potential solutions to barriers, to support more widespread availability of services. METHODS: Individuals with a role in mental health care commissioning from across the UK were invited to take part in semi-structured interviews via zoom. Interviews explored factors influencing the mental health services they commission or refer to, their perception of the role of STH in mental health care and the barriers to commissioning STH, together with potential solutions to any barriers identified. RESULTS Commissioners identified a lack of knowledge of STH and evidence of its effectiveness, and a culture which prioritises traditional medical models, as barriers to commissioning. Challenges for STH providers in responding to large-scale commissioning requirements were also highlighted as a barrier. CONCLUSIONS To upscale commissioning of STH in mental health care, STH interventions need to be embedded within NHS priorities and information on STH services and their effectiveness needs to be easily accessible to practitioners. The sector should also be supported in working collaboratively to enable commissioning of services at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly J Wood
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO43SQ, UK.
| | - Georgina Morton
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO43SQ, UK
| | | | - Becs Baumber
- Thrive, Geoffrey Udall Centre, Beech Hill, Reading, RG72AT, UK
| | - Rachel E Bragg
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO43SQ, UK
- Rachel Bragg Consultancy, Hereford, HR11GZ, UK
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Shim SR, Shin D, Kim SJ, Kim YK, Lee KJ. Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential and Healthcare Applications of Marine Therapy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:604. [PMID: 38132925 PMCID: PMC10744920 DOI: 10.3390/md21120604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to estimate the effectiveness of marine-derived resources for treating specific diseases, as well as identify the most effective methods for applying such resources in therapeutic applications. Bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane) were searched from their inception until May 2023 using Medical Subject Headings terms and text keywords related to seawater, mineral water, or ocean therapy. Fifteen eligible studies were included, involving 1325 participants aged 42.7-63.0 years. In the subgroup analysis based on treatment type, the mean difference was -1.581 (95% CI: -1.889, -1.274) for seawater with sun exposure and -1.210 (95% CI: -1.417, -1.002) for seawater with sun exposure, mud pack application, and sulfur pool therapy. The pooled standardized mean difference was calculated for different outcomes; the results were -1.110 (95% CI: -3.028, 0.806) for osteoarthritis severity, -0.795 (95% CI: -0.982, -0.607) for arthritis pain, -1.623 (95% CI: -2.036, -1.209) for fibromyalgia pain, and -1.498 (95% CI: -1.888, -1.108) for quality of life. Marine therapy is, therefore, promising for treating chronic skin issues, easing musculoskeletal discomfort, and enhancing the quality of life among patients with musculoskeletal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Ryul Shim
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea;
| | - Dayeon Shin
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seong-Jang Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea;
- BioMedical Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kook Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea;
- EyeLight Data Science Laboratory, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Ju Lee
- Department of Women’s Rehabilitation, National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul 01022, Republic of Korea
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Pearson AL, Pfeiffer KA, Buxton RT, Horton TH, Gardiner J, Asana V. Four recommendations to tackle the complex reality of transdisciplinary, natural experiment research. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1240231. [PMID: 37920584 PMCID: PMC10618667 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1240231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural experiments are often used to study interventions in which randomization to control versus intervention conditions are impossible. Nature-based interventions (i.e., programs designed to increase human interaction with nature and improve human health) are commonly studied as natural experiments. We used a natural experiment design to explore the benefits of ecological rehabilitation of parks on biodiversity and resident health in low-income, minoritized neighborhoods in Detroit, MI. Given the complexities and interconnectedness of lived experiences, community needs, and ecological health, this research design has presented challenges. Based on our experiences, we pose four key recommendations for researchers and practitioners conducting natural experiments, nature-based interventions, and those working in low-income, minoritized neighborhoods. We use the explicit examples of challenges faced as rationale for these recommendations. The key recommendations are (1) Engage with community leaders; (2) Build a transdisciplinary team and work closely; (3) Examine privilege; and (4) Create a unified vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L. Pearson
- CS Mott Department of Public Health, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, United States
| | - Karin A. Pfeiffer
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | | | - Teresa H. Horton
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Joseph Gardiner
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Ventra Asana
- National Coalition of Independent Scholars, Detroit, MI, United States
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Sun Q, Loveday M, Nwe S, Morris N, Boxall E. Green Social Prescribing in Practice: A Case Study of Walsall, UK. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6708. [PMID: 37681848 PMCID: PMC10487442 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20176708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a case study of Green Social Prescribing (GSP) in Walsall, a medium-sized urban area located in the West Midlands, UK. GSP is a means of enabling health professionals to refer people to a range of local non-clinical nature-based activities, e.g., community gardening and conservation volunteering. As a new practice to address multiple challenges in health and sustainability, GSP has been promoted by the UK government and the NHS in the past few years. There is as yet limited evidence and knowledge about how this approach is implemented at a local level. This paper addresses this gap of knowledge, by exploring how GSP is implemented in Walsall as a case study. Based on extensive engagement and research activities with the local partners to collect data, this paper reveals the local contexts of GSP, the referral pathways, and people's lived experience, discussing the challenges, barriers, and opportunities in delivering GSP at the local level. This study suggests that a more collaborative and genuine place-based approach is essential, and alongside GSP, investment into infrastructure is needed to move the health paradigm further from 'prevention' to 'promotion' so that more people can benefit from what nature can offer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Sun
- School of Design, Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU, UK; (M.L.)
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Nguyen PY, Astell-Burt T, Rahimi-Ardabili H, Feng X. Effect of nature prescriptions on cardiometabolic and mental health, and physical activity: a systematic review. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e313-e328. [PMID: 37019572 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Nature prescriptions are gaining popularity as a form of social prescribing in support of sustainable health care. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of nature prescriptions and determine the factors important for their success. We searched five databases from inception up to July 25, 2021. Randomised and non-randomised controlled studies featuring a nature prescription (ie, a referral or an organised programme, by a health or social professional, to encourage spending time in nature) were included. Two reviewers independently conducted all steps of study selection; one reviewer collected summary data from published reports and conducted the risk of bias assessment. Random-effect DerSimonian-Laird meta-analyses were conducted for five key outcomes. We identified 92 unique studies (122 reports), of which 28 studies contributed data to meta-analyses. Compared with control conditions, nature prescription programmes resulted in a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure (mean difference -4·82 mm Hg [-8·92 to -0·72]) and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference -3·82 mm Hg [-6·47 to -1·16). Nature prescriptions also had a moderate to large effect on depression scores (post-intervention standardised mean difference -0·50 [-0·84 to -0·16]; change from baseline standardised mean difference -0·42 [-0·82 to -0·03]) and anxiety scores (post-intervention standardised mean difference -0·57 [-1·12 to -0·03]; change from baseline standardised mean difference -1·27 [-2·20 to -0·33]). Nature prescriptions resulted in a greater increase in daily step counts than control conditions (mean difference 900 steps [790 to 1010]) but did not improve weekly time of moderate physical activity (mean difference 25·90 min [-10·26 to 62·06]). A subgroup analysis restricted to studies featuring a referring institution showed stronger effects on depression scores, daily step counts, and weekly time of moderate physical activity than the general analysis. Beneficial effects on anxiety and depression scores were mainly provided by interventions involving social professionals whereas beneficial effects on blood pressures and daily step counts were provided mainly by interventions involving health professionals. Most studies have a moderate to high risk of bias. Nature prescription programmes showed evidence of cardiometabolic and mental health benefits and increases in walking. Effective nature prescription programmes can involve a range of natural settings and activities and can be implemented via social and community channels, in addition to health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phi-Yen Nguyen
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Thomas Astell-Burt
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Health and Society, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Hania Rahimi-Ardabili
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia; The George Institute of Global Health, Sydnet, NSW, Australia.
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Astell-Burt T, Hipp JA, Gatersleben B, Adlakha D, Marselle M, Olcoń K, Pappas E, Kondo M, Booth G, Bacon S, Lem M, Francois M, Halcomb E, Moxham L, Davidson P, Feng X. Need and Interest in Nature Prescriptions to Protect Cardiovascular and Mental Health: A Nationally-Representative Study With Insights for Future Randomised Trials. Heart Lung Circ 2023; 32:114-123. [PMID: 36588036 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE "Nature prescriptions" are increasingly being adopted by health sectors as an adjunct to standard care to attend to health and social needs. We investigated levels of need and interest in nature prescriptions in adults with cardiovascular diseases, psychological distress and concomitants (e.g. physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, obesity, loneliness, burn-out). METHODS A nationally-representative survey of 3,319 adults across all states and territories of Australia was completed in February 2021 (response 84.0%). Participants were classified across 15 target groups using validated health indicators and surveyed on (1) time and frequency of visits to green and blue spaces (nature spaces), (2) interest in a nature prescription, and (3) potential confounders (e.g. age, income). Analyses were done using weighted logistic regressions. RESULTS The sample was 50.5% female, 52.0% were aged ≥45 years, 15.2% were living alone and 19.3% were born overseas in non-English-speaking countries. Two-thirds of the sample spent 2 hours or more a week in nature, but these levels were generally lower in target groups (e.g. 57.7% in adults with type 2 diabetes). Most participants (81.9%) were interested in a nature prescription, even among those spending fewer than 2 hours a week in nature (76.4%). For example, 2 hours a week or more in nature was lowest among sedentary adults (36.9%) yet interest in nature prescriptions in this group was still high (74.0%). Lower levels of nature contact in target groups was not explained by differences in access to or preference for local nature spaces. CONCLUSIONS High levels of interest in nature prescriptions amid low levels of nature contact in many target health groups provides impetus for developing randomised trials of interventions that enable people to spend more time in nature. These findings can inform intervention co-design processes with a wide range of community stakeholders, end-users in target health groups, and the health professionals who support them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Astell-Burt
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - J Aaron Hipp
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Center for Geospatial Analytics, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Birgitta Gatersleben
- Environmental Psychology Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Deepti Adlakha
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, Natural Learning Initiative, College of Design, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Melissa Marselle
- Environmental Psychology Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Katarzyna Olcoń
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Evangelos Pappas
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Kondo
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Philadelphia Field Station, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gillian Booth
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simon Bacon
- Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Ile-de-Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Melissa Lem
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Monique Francois
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Halcomb
- School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lorna Moxham
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Patricia Davidson
- The Vice-Chancellor's Unit (P.M.D.), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The George Institute of Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Wood C, Wicks C, Barton J. Green spaces for mental disorders. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2023; 36:41-6. [PMID: 36194137 DOI: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Mental illness is a global challenge, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Research suggests access to local green spaces is associated with better mental health, yet access is not always equitable. Evaluation of how nature-based interventions protect and support mental health is therefore required. RECENT FINDINGS Accessible local green spaces are associated with better mental health. They encourage active behaviours and social interaction, reduce loneliness and stress. Green views from the home are associated with increased self-esteem, life satisfaction and happiness and reduced depression, anxiety and loneliness. Nature-based interventions and green social prescriptions effectively target vulnerable groups, resulting in significant reductions in depression, anxiety and anger alongside positive mental health outcomes. SUMMARY Although existing evidence is encouraging, robust, high-quality research that strengthens the evidence base and informs future clinical practice and policy decision making is needed. Evidence of the long-term effectiveness in individuals with diagnosed mental illness is also required to ascertain the potential social and wider returns on investment. Barriers to use of green social prescriptions like mental health symptoms and geographical accessibility need to be overcome to increase accessibility and uptake of green social prescriptions for the prevention and treatment of mental illness.
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Soulé I, Littzen-Brown C, Vermeesch AL, Garrigues L. Expanding the Mind-Body-Environment Connection to Enhance the Development of Cultural Humility. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:13641. [PMID: 36294221 PMCID: PMC9602847 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The unique health care needs of diverse individuals and communities are complex. To meet these needs, healthcare professionals are being called upon to alter traditional ways of thinking, perceiving, and acting in order to create more inclusive environments. Research shows that using mindsight, a process that increases both insight and empathy, can enhance an individual's mind-body-environment connection, increase self-awareness, and promote the development of cultural humility. This paper will discuss the current perspectives on the mind/body/environment connection from a Western lens that may impact the enactment of cultural humility for healthcare providers. Two evidence-based approaches, yoga and forest therapy, are recommended as effective intervention tools in fostering mindsight and cultural humility. Blending traditional cognitive learning with techniques anchored in the physical body may hold promise in supporting the development of mindsight and cultural humility in healthcare education and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Soulé
- School of Nursing & Health Innovations, University of Portland, Portland, OR 97203, USA
| | - Chloé Littzen-Brown
- School of Nursing & Health Innovations, University of Portland, Portland, OR 97203, USA
| | - Amber L. Vermeesch
- Department of Family and Community Nursing, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| | - Layla Garrigues
- School of Nursing & Health Innovations, University of Portland, Portland, OR 97203, USA
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