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Nature Prescriptions for Health: A Review of Evidence and Research Opportunities

Author

Listed:
  • Michelle C. Kondo

    (USDA-Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 100 North 20th Street, Ste 205, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA)

  • Kehinde O. Oyekanmi

    (USDA-Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 100 North 20th Street, Ste 205, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
    Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Allison Gibson

    (Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagys Mill Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128, USA)

  • Eugenia C. South

    (Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Jason Bocarro

    (Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, College of Natural Resources, Box 8004, 3028F Biltmore Hall, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8004, USA)

  • J. Aaron Hipp

    (Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, College of Natural Resources, Box 8004, 3028F Biltmore Hall, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8004, USA)

Abstract

Nature prescription programs have emerged to address the high burden of chronic disease and increasingly sedentary and screen-based lifestyles. This study examines the base of evidence regarding such programs. We conducted a narrative review of published literature using four electronic databases. We included case studies, research design articles, and empirical studies that discussed any type of outdoor exposure or activities initiated by a health-care provider from an outpatient clinic. We examined articles for information on target populations, health outcomes, and structural and procedural elements. We also summarized evidence of the effectiveness of nature prescription programs, and discussed needs and challenges for both practice and research. Eleven studies, including eight empirical studies, have evaluated nature prescription programs with either structured or unstructured formats, referring patients either to nearby parks or to formal outdoor activity programs. Empirical studies evaluate a wide variety of health behaviors and outcomes among the most at-risk children and families. Research is too sparse to draw patterns in health outcome responses. Studies largely tested program structures to increase adherence, or patient follow-through, however findings were mixed. Three published studies explore providers’ perspectives. More research is necessary to understand how to measure and increase patient adherence, short and long-term health outcomes for patients and their families, and determinants of provider participation and participation impacts on providers’ own health.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle C. Kondo & Kehinde O. Oyekanmi & Allison Gibson & Eugenia C. South & Jason Bocarro & J. Aaron Hipp, 2020. "Nature Prescriptions for Health: A Review of Evidence and Research Opportunities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-16, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:12:p:4213-:d:370843
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Swinburn, B.A. & Walter, L.G. & Arroll, B. & Tilyard, M.W. & Russell, D.G., 1998. "The green prescription study: A randomized controlled trial of written exercise advice provided by general practitioners," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 88(2), pages 288-291.
    2. Nooshin Razani & Saam Morshed & Michael A Kohn & Nancy M Wells & Doug Thompson & Maoya Alqassari & Amaka Agodi & George W Rutherford, 2018. "Effect of park prescriptions with and without group visits to parks on stress reduction in low-income parents: SHINE randomized trial," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(2), pages 1-17, February.
    3. Huaqiong Zhou & Pamela Roberts & Satvinder Dhaliwal & Phillip Della, 2016. "Transitioning adolescent and young adults with chronic disease and/or disabilities from paediatric to adult care services – an integrative review," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(21-22), pages 3113-3130, November.
    4. Doherty, Sean T. & Lemieux, Christopher J. & Canally, Culum, 2014. "Tracking human activity and well-being in natural environments using wearable sensors and experience sampling," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 83-92.
    5. Ian Lahart & Patricia Darcy & Christopher Gidlow & Giovanna Calogiuri, 2019. "The Effects of Green Exercise on Physical and Mental Wellbeing: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-26, April.
    6. Michelle C. Kondo & Jaime M. Fluehr & Thomas McKeon & Charles C. Branas, 2018. "Urban Green Space and Its Impact on Human Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-28, March.
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