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

Hope Foley, Matthew Leach, Xiaoqi Feng, Thomas Astell-Burt and Eric Brymer ()
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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
Thomas Astell-Burt: Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW 2522, Australia
Eric Brymer: Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4225, Australia

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 12, 1-14

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.

Keywords: nature prescription; green prescription; implementation; health services (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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