Nature-based allied health: current practice, challenges and opportunities

medRxiv – May 23, 2024

Source: medRxiv/bioRxiv/arXiv

Summary

Nature can play a vital role in health care! This study explored how allied health professionals use nature-based methods to improve wellbeing. It highlighted positive outcomes in managing conditions like anxiety and depression. Challenges exist, but with strategic solutions, these approaches can flourish, enhancing patient care.

Abstract

Purpose To guide the effective use of nature-based approaches, we aimed to determine current practice, challenges and proposed solutions concerning the use of these approaches by allied health professionals (AHPs). We also investigated the signs, symptoms and conditions AHPs believe nature-based approaches may prevent and/or manage, as well as the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.