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Towards Key Principles for the Design and Implementation of Nature Prescription Programs

Author

Listed:
  • Hope Foley

    (Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4225, Australia)

  • Matthew Leach

    (National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia)

  • Xiaoqi Feng

    (School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
    The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia
    Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW 2522, Australia)

  • Thomas Astell-Burt

    (Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW 2522, Australia
    School of Health and Society, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia)

  • Eric Brymer

    (Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4225, Australia
    Manna Institute, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia)

Abstract

The health benefits of nature are well recognised. However, nature prescriptions (nature-based health interventions) are not routine in many health systems. We interviewed health stakeholders ( n = 13) who prescribe and provide nature prescriptions, to identify enablers and barriers surrounding nature prescriptions in Australia. Participants emphasised the importance of collaboration between health disciplines, community, government and industry sectors, alongside appropriate infrastructure. Patient-centred, accessible care supporting behavioural change and social wellbeing was enabling. Participants identified a need for increased awareness, accessible local resources and responsiveness regarding climate change. The findings reveal key considerations to inform effective implementation of nature prescribing for enhanced community health.

Suggested Citation

  • Hope Foley & Matthew Leach & Xiaoqi Feng & Thomas Astell-Burt & Eric Brymer, 2023. "Towards Key Principles for the Design and Implementation of Nature Prescription Programs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:12:p:9530-:d:1170537
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jake M. Robinson & Anna Jorgensen & Ross Cameron & Paul Brindley, 2020. "Let Nature Be Thy Medicine: A Socioecological Exploration of Green Prescribing in the UK," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-24, May.
    2. United Nations, 2016. "The Sustainable Development Goals 2016," Working Papers id:11456, eSocialSciences.
    3. Nicole V. DeVille & Linda Powers Tomasso & Olivia P. Stoddard & Grete E. Wilt & Teresa H. Horton & Kathleen L. Wolf & Eric Brymer & Peter H. Kahn & Peter James, 2021. "Time Spent in Nature Is Associated with Increased Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-18, July.
    4. Zheng, Qunming & Yang, Xiaoya, 2013. "Study and Practice of Forest-bathing field in Japan," Asian Agricultural Research, USA-China Science and Culture Media Corporation, vol. 5(02), pages 1-4, February.
    5. 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.
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