RESEARCH

Spiritual Care of Cancer Patients by Integrated Medicine in Urban Green Space: A Pilot Study

Results from the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp) showed significant improvements in functional well-being (P = .027) and spiritual well-being (P = .039). The intervention also led to a significant increase in natural killer (NK) cell activity (P < .001).

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Urban vs. Rural Settings, Natural Areas/Parks/Forest

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Physical Health

Allied Profession Intersections: Counselling, Nursing

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Forest/Natural Area Immersion, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Paid

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Summary

This study investigated the potential effects of integrated medicine delivered in an urban green space environment on the spiritual and emotional well-being of cancer patients. Recognizing the growing importance of psycho-oncological care, including spiritual care, for cancer patients who often face anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, the researchers explored an approach combining modern Western medicine with complementary therapies. The integrated medicine concept is considered appropriate for addressing the multidimensional nature of spirituality. The study aimed to examine the effects of specific therapies, such as forest therapy, horticultural therapy, yoga meditation, and supportive group therapy, conducted in a green environment, building on the idea that therapies promoting deeper contact with nature and meditation can be useful for spiritual care. It highlighted that appreciating nature is considered a way for people in critical states to maintain spiritual health.

The study employed an intervention conducted once a week for 12 weeks, comparing measurements taken before and after the intervention period. Twenty-two cancer patients, primarily with breast or lung cancer and living in urban areas with limited access to green environments in their normal lives, participated. The integrated medicine intervention included walking in the forest (forest therapy), working with vegetables (horticultural therapy), practicing special postures, deep breathing, and meditation (yoga meditation), and discussing experiences with facilitators and peers (supportive group therapy). Assessments were made using various questionnaires to measure spirituality (FACIT-Sp), quality of life (SF-36), fatigue (CFS), and psychological state (POMS-SF, STAI), as well as natural killer (NK) cell activity. Statistical analysis involved using the paired t-test to compare pre- and post-intervention data.

Link

Nakau, M., Imanishi, J., Imanishi, J. et al. (2013). Spiritual care of cancer patients by integrated medicine in urban green space: A pilot study. Explore (NY), 9(2), 87-90

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