RESEARCH

Impact of Horticultural Therapy on Patients Admitted to Psychiatric Wards, a Randomized, Controlled and Open Trial

A study of 211 psychiatric inpatients found that four weeks of horticultural therapy significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to standard care alone. The results suggest that incorporating horticultural therapy into psychiatric treatment could be beneficial for reducing patient anxiety.
Program Types: Therapeutic
Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma
Setting or Context: Hospitals/Clinics
Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Sleep Quality, Improved Quality of Life
Allied Profession Intersections: Counselling, Nursing
Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Environmental Education
Evidence Type: Randomized Controlled Trials
Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health
Access: Free
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Summary

This research study examined the effects of horticultural therapy on anxiety levels in adult psychiatric inpatients. The researchers recruited 211 patients from six psychiatric units and randomly divided them into two groups. One group received standard care plus horticultural therapy sessions twice a week for four weeks, while the control group only received standard care. The horticultural therapy sessions involved activities like planting, weeding, and watering plants in small groups supervised by nurses. The researchers measured patients’ anxiety levels using a questionnaire called the HADS-A at the beginning and end of the four-week period.

The results showed that patients who participated in horticultural therapy experienced a significant reduction in anxiety compared to those who only received standard care. This difference was statistically significant, meaning it was unlikely to have occurred by chance. The researchers concluded that horticultural therapy could be a valuable addition to psychiatric nursing practices, as it helped reduce anxiety in hospitalized patients regardless of their specific psychiatric condition. They suggest that engaging with plants and nature-based activities may have a calming effect on patients, potentially due to the sensory experiences and emotional connections formed during these activities.

Link

Joubert, A., Blandine Jankowski-Cherrier, Rossi, A., Teyssier, L., Valérie Suraud, Presle, E., Pommier, R., Massoubre, C., & Verot, E. (2024). Impact of horticultural therapy on patients admitted to psychiatric wards, a randomised, controlled and open trial. Scientific Reports, 14(1).

 

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