Evaluation of the Nature Health Plan green prescribing programme
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessing the feasibility and acceptability of the a green prescribing programme: An evaluation of the Nature Health Plan
IRAS ID
329168
Contact name
Stephen Malden
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 2 days
Research summary
Spending time in outdoor spaces such as parks, community gardens, or walking in nature may have positive health benefits. In particular, such activities can lead to improvements in mental wellbeing, and can also reduce social isolation. "Green prescribing" is the term used to describe such programmes, where a healthcare professional refers an individual to participate in outdoor activities. Despite the potential health benefits, these programmes have not been extensively used with people experiencing homelessness. A recent green prescribing initiative called the Nature Health Plan, has been developed at the Access Place in Edinburgh, and this research study will investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the programme, to help inform further development and evaluation. This research will involve interviews with NHS staff, community organization stakeholders (NOT employed by NHS), and people experiencing homelessness who have taken part in the programme, in order to learn from their views and experiences. Th study will also incorporate essential elements of evaluating feasibility, such as the presentation of descriptive data on the different groups of service users who may or may not be accessing the programme. Interviews with staff/stakeholders will take place at the end of the programme (Sept 2023), as will interviews with service users. The interviews will be conducted on -site at the Access Place for service users and staff (or virtually if preferable for staff), within a private room. If service users would prefer, they can be accompanied to interviews by a link worker or a friend.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
23/IEC08/0041
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion