RESEARCH

Engaging with Nature and the Outdoors: A Scoping Review of Therapeutic Applications in Contemporary Occupational Therapy

This scoping review explores how engaging with nature is used as a therapeutic intervention in occupational therapy, identifying various existing and emerging applications. While current practices mainly involve therapeutic gardening, the review emphasizes the need for further research to support and expand the role of occupational therapy in promoting outdoor engagement.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: General Population

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Quality of Life

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Forest/Natural Area Immersion

Evidence Type: Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health

Access: Free

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Summary

This research explores the use of nature and outdoor activities as therapeutic interventions in contemporary occupational therapy. The paper is a scoping review that looks at how engaging with the natural outdoors is applied in occupational therapy practice. The review examines the extent, nature, and potential benefits of these therapeutic applications, focusing on personal meaning, health, and well-being.

The study identifies three main themes: occupation-based applications, where engagement with nature is a direct form of therapy; occupation-focused applications, where enabling outdoor engagement is the focus; and occupational therapy’s contribution, which includes theoretical underpinnings and interprofessional collaboration. Occupation-based applications often involve therapeutic groups and community projects, while occupation-focused applications include education, advocacy, and environmental design. The research emphasizes that while there’s evidence of current practices like therapeutic gardening groups, many applications are still emerging. The review highlights the need for further research to strengthen the evidence base and to promote the role of occupational therapy in facilitating outdoor engagement.

Link

Firby, H., & Raine, R. (2022). Engaging with nature and the outdoors: A scoping review of therapeutic applications in contemporary occupational therapy. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 86(2), 030802262211268.

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