RESEARCH

Survey of Plants and Types of Horticultural Therapy Program in Hospitals – Focused on the Thesis from 1998 to 2016

Examining the results of the analyzed theses, the socially protected group, which included elderly inpatients with conditions like dementia, was the most frequent target, accounting for 59.7% of the studies surveyed. Planting activities were the most common type of activity performed across the programs, occurring 506 times or 41.5% of the total activities analyzed, although soil-using planting activities (25.1%) were less frequent than non-soil-using activities (16.4%) or other activity types combined (74.9%).

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Rehabilitation, General Population, Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes, Hospitals/Clinics, Natural Areas/Parks/Forest

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function, Sensory Stimulation, Improved Physical Health, Faster Recovery Times, Longevity & Aging Well

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Nursing

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Meal/Diet-Based Activities

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews, Observational Research, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Program Effectiveness, Longitudinal Studies

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Summary

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of horticultural therapy (HT) programs conducted in Korean hospitals between 1998 and 2016, by surveying existing master’s and doctoral theses. This research is particularly important because while HT is known for its therapeutic benefits, there are concerns about the potential risk of bacteria and fungi in plants and soil within the limited environment of hospitals, especially for patients with weakened immune systems. By analyzing 68 relevant theses, the study sought to understand the characteristics of these programs – who they target, how frequently they are conducted, what activities are common, and which plant species are used – to inform safer and more effective practices in hospital settings.

The research specifically analyzed the surveyed theses based on participant symptoms (categorized into general, disease, and socially protected groups), the frequency and total number of program sessions, and the types of horticultural activities performed, including classifying planting activities by whether or not they used soil. The species of plants used in soil-based activities were also recorded and analyzed for frequency. This detailed analysis aimed to shed light on the practical application of HT in hospitals, considering the unique constraints and safety considerations of the environment, and to identify areas for further study regarding plant safety and maximizing therapeutic outcomes.

Link

Jang, E.J., Yun, S.Y., Choi, B.J., & Lee, N.H. (2017). Survey of plants and types of horticultural therapy program in hospitals. Journal of People, Plants, and Environment, 20(2), 159-164

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