RESEARCH

Therapeutic Hospital Gardens: Literature Review and Working Definition

This literature review of 40 articles highlights the role of purposefully designed and well-integrated therapeutic hospital gardens and identifies a lack of consensus on terminology and established design processes in the field. As a key result, the authors propose a working definition for therapeutic hospital gardens to guide stakeholders in their implementation for improved well-being.
Print Form

Summary

This research paper looks at what we know about therapeutic hospital gardens (THGs), which are gardens designed and included within hospital grounds or buildings to help patients, their families, and hospital staff. The authors reviewed a large number of studies to understand how these gardens are defined, who uses them and what their needs are, and what benefits and value they provide. They wanted to get a clear picture of this topic to help hospitals and designers create better gardens that truly promote health and well-being.

Through their review of existing research, the authors found that there isn’t yet a clear and agreed-upon way to define exactly what a therapeutic hospital garden is. They also discovered a need for well-defined steps on how to design and create these gardens effectively. To help move forward, the researchers developed their own working definition of THGs based on what they learned. The paper concludes that when hospitals purposefully design and integrate these gardens into their programs and health policies, they can play a role in improving people’s well-being.

Link

Nieberler-Walker, K., Desha, C., Bosman, C., Roiko, A., & Caldera, S. (2023). Therapeutic Hospital Gardens: Literature review and working Definition. HERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 16(4), 260–295.

 

Other Recommended Research

Garden Bath – Healing Routine

The facilitator guides participants in a mindful garden walk. The activity uses mindfulness and connecting with nature through the senses.

Herb Dip

Participants create and enjoy a dip with garden fresh herbs of their choice.

Herbal Compound Butter

Participants create an herb infused butter with garden fresh herbs.

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

Gardening can help people with dementia feel more active, connected, and less lonely by improving their physical and mental well-being. The article highlights the need for more accessible gardening programs in the community to support social engagement and a better quality of life.

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

This thesis examines how a gardening-based social enterprise helps people of all abilities by providing meaningful work, social connections, and a sense of belonging. While it highlights the benefits of inclusion and community participation, it also points out challenges like funding and governance that need to be addressed for long-term success.

‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces

This Meta-synthesis highlights the benefits of holding therapy sessions in nature, which can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance emotional well-being. While outdoor therapy offers unique advantages, such as greater openness and connection with nature, it also requires careful consideration of client suitability and professional training.

Report

Contains abusive or derogatory content
Contains mature or sensitive content
Contains misleading or false information
Contains spam, fake content or potential malware
Harassment or bullying behavior

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

  • See blocked member's posts
  • Mention this member in posts
  • Invite this member to groups
  • Message this member
  • Add this member as a connection

Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

Report

You have already reported this .