Dear Editor,
Enhancing nature prescribing in healthcare involves a multifaceted approach that considers various stakeholders, from healthcare professionals to policymakers. The editorial "Nature and Nurture", discusses the benefits and challenges of nature prescribing, emphasizing the importance of nature-based activities for improving health and well-being (1).
Jepson, Robertson, and Cameron (2), as well as Bragg and Leck (3), outline various activities that can be considered as part of a green prescription. These activities encompass:
a. Therapeutic horticulture.
b. Biodiversity conservation.
c. Care farming, which involves utilizing farming practices for health, social interaction, and education.
d. Green exercise, such as nature walks, biking, and climbing.
e. Wilderness arts and crafts.
f. Community gardens
To enhance green social prescribing several strategies can be implemented:
Ensure that medical professionals, including general practitioners, nurses, and mental health specialists, receive training on the benefits of nature prescribing. Integrating this knowledge into medical education programs will empower healthcare providers to confidently recommend nature-based interventions to their patients.
Develop evidence-based guidelines and protocols for nature prescribing. This includes defining the types of nature-based activities, recommended durations, and frequency. Having standardized protocols will provide clarity to healthcare professionals and help in the systematic implementation of nature prescribing.
We could forge partnerships with environmental and conservation organizations to facilitate access to natural spaces. Collaboration with these groups can ensure the availability of safe and well-maintained natural environments suitable for prescribed activities. This may involve creating green spaces in urban areas and promoting conservation efforts.
Develop digital platforms or mobile applications that facilitate nature prescribing. These tools can help healthcare professionals including primary care physicians, provide personalized recommendations, track patient progress, and offer educational resources on the benefits of spending time in nature. Technology can also assist in overcoming barriers, such as providing virtual nature experiences for those with limited physical access.
We must invest in ongoing research to strengthen the evidence base for nature prescribing. Conduct studies to assess the long-term effects, cost-effectiveness, and specific health outcomes associated with different nature-based interventions. Continuous evaluation will help refine prescribing practices and contribute to the credibility of nature prescribing in the healthcare system.
Furthermore, integrating nature prescribing options into electronic health record systems. This ensures that healthcare providers can easily incorporate nature-based recommendations into their treatment plans and track patient adherence. EHR integration facilitates seamless communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals. It is also necessary to conduct community outreach programs to raise awareness about the benefits of nature prescribing. Engage local communities in the development and maintenance of natural spaces. Education campaigns can target both healthcare professionals and the public, fostering a cultural shift towards embracing nature as a component of holistic healthcare.
Advocating for policy changes that support the integration of nature prescribing into healthcare systems. This may include lobbying for insurance coverage for nature-based interventions, allocating resources for green space development, and promoting research funding for nature-prescribing initiatives.
Create incentives for healthcare providers to engage in nature prescribing practices. This could involve recognition, professional development credits, or other tangible rewards for practitioners who actively promote and incorporate nature-based interventions into their patient care plans.
There should be a mechanism to regularly assess the equity of nature prescribing practices to ensure that all demographics have equal access and benefit. Identify and address any barriers, including socioeconomic factors, which may limit certain populations from participating in nature-based interventions.
By implementing these strategies, global healthcare systems can enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of nature prescribing, promoting a comprehensive approach to patient care that integrates the natural environment into the healing process.
REFERENCES:
(1). Garside R, Lovell R, Huks K et al. Nature prescribing. BMJ 2023;383:p2745 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.p2745
(2). Jepson R, Robertson R, Cameron H. Green Prescription Schemes: Mapping and Current Practice. NHS Health Scotland: Edinburgh, UK, 2010. Available online: https://www.stir.ac.uk/research/hub/publication/706386
(3). Bragg R, Leck C Good Practice in Social Prescribing for Mental Health: The Role of Nature-Based Interventions; Natural England Commissioned Reports; 2017. Available online: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5134438692814848
(4). Patel A, Schofield GM, Kolt GS, Keogh JW. Perspectives and Experiences of General Practitioners in Counseling for Physical Activity through the New Zealand Green Prescription Program. BMC Fam. Pract. 2011, 12, 119.
(5). Robinson JM, Jorgensen A, Cameron R, Brindley P. Let Nature Be Thy Medicine: A Socioecological Exploration of Green Prescribing in the UK. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020; 15;17(10):3460. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17103460. PMID: 32429198; PMCID: PMC7277179.
Competing interests:
No competing interests
30 December 2023
Ediriweera Desapriya
Research Associate
Shaluka Manchanayake, Hasara Illuppelle, Dave Gunaratne, Crystal Ma
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine- University of British Columbia
Faculty of Medicine | Pediatrics, University of British Columbia | BC Children's Hospital | 4480 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3
Rapid Response:
Re: Nature prescribing
Dear Editor,
Enhancing nature prescribing in healthcare involves a multifaceted approach that considers various stakeholders, from healthcare professionals to policymakers. The editorial "Nature and Nurture", discusses the benefits and challenges of nature prescribing, emphasizing the importance of nature-based activities for improving health and well-being (1).
Jepson, Robertson, and Cameron (2), as well as Bragg and Leck (3), outline various activities that can be considered as part of a green prescription. These activities encompass:
a. Therapeutic horticulture.
b. Biodiversity conservation.
c. Care farming, which involves utilizing farming practices for health, social interaction, and education.
d. Green exercise, such as nature walks, biking, and climbing.
e. Wilderness arts and crafts.
f. Community gardens
To enhance green social prescribing several strategies can be implemented:
Ensure that medical professionals, including general practitioners, nurses, and mental health specialists, receive training on the benefits of nature prescribing. Integrating this knowledge into medical education programs will empower healthcare providers to confidently recommend nature-based interventions to their patients.
Develop evidence-based guidelines and protocols for nature prescribing. This includes defining the types of nature-based activities, recommended durations, and frequency. Having standardized protocols will provide clarity to healthcare professionals and help in the systematic implementation of nature prescribing.
We could forge partnerships with environmental and conservation organizations to facilitate access to natural spaces. Collaboration with these groups can ensure the availability of safe and well-maintained natural environments suitable for prescribed activities. This may involve creating green spaces in urban areas and promoting conservation efforts.
Develop digital platforms or mobile applications that facilitate nature prescribing. These tools can help healthcare professionals including primary care physicians, provide personalized recommendations, track patient progress, and offer educational resources on the benefits of spending time in nature. Technology can also assist in overcoming barriers, such as providing virtual nature experiences for those with limited physical access.
We must invest in ongoing research to strengthen the evidence base for nature prescribing. Conduct studies to assess the long-term effects, cost-effectiveness, and specific health outcomes associated with different nature-based interventions. Continuous evaluation will help refine prescribing practices and contribute to the credibility of nature prescribing in the healthcare system.
Furthermore, integrating nature prescribing options into electronic health record systems. This ensures that healthcare providers can easily incorporate nature-based recommendations into their treatment plans and track patient adherence. EHR integration facilitates seamless communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals. It is also necessary to conduct community outreach programs to raise awareness about the benefits of nature prescribing. Engage local communities in the development and maintenance of natural spaces. Education campaigns can target both healthcare professionals and the public, fostering a cultural shift towards embracing nature as a component of holistic healthcare.
Advocating for policy changes that support the integration of nature prescribing into healthcare systems. This may include lobbying for insurance coverage for nature-based interventions, allocating resources for green space development, and promoting research funding for nature-prescribing initiatives.
Create incentives for healthcare providers to engage in nature prescribing practices. This could involve recognition, professional development credits, or other tangible rewards for practitioners who actively promote and incorporate nature-based interventions into their patient care plans.
There should be a mechanism to regularly assess the equity of nature prescribing practices to ensure that all demographics have equal access and benefit. Identify and address any barriers, including socioeconomic factors, which may limit certain populations from participating in nature-based interventions.
By implementing these strategies, global healthcare systems can enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of nature prescribing, promoting a comprehensive approach to patient care that integrates the natural environment into the healing process.
REFERENCES:
(1). Garside R, Lovell R, Huks K et al. Nature prescribing. BMJ 2023;383:p2745 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.p2745
(2). Jepson R, Robertson R, Cameron H. Green Prescription Schemes: Mapping and Current Practice. NHS Health Scotland: Edinburgh, UK, 2010. Available online: https://www.stir.ac.uk/research/hub/publication/706386
(3). Bragg R, Leck C Good Practice in Social Prescribing for Mental Health: The Role of Nature-Based Interventions; Natural England Commissioned Reports; 2017. Available online: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5134438692814848
(4). Patel A, Schofield GM, Kolt GS, Keogh JW. Perspectives and Experiences of General Practitioners in Counseling for Physical Activity through the New Zealand Green Prescription Program. BMC Fam. Pract. 2011, 12, 119.
(5). Robinson JM, Jorgensen A, Cameron R, Brindley P. Let Nature Be Thy Medicine: A Socioecological Exploration of Green Prescribing in the UK. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020; 15;17(10):3460. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17103460. PMID: 32429198; PMCID: PMC7277179.
Competing interests: No competing interests