Nature-Based Feasibility Intervention to Influence Mitigation Strategies for Perceived Stress

Abstract

Burnout, compassion fatigue, and perceived stress among undergraduate nursing students are significant factors leading to a poorer quality of life, decreased job satisfaction, and adversely impact patient outcomes. Burnout among undergraduate nursing students is a critical individual and workforce issue with contributing factors including a relentless schedule, academically challenging and rigorous programs, pressure to perform, and the completion of clinical hours caring for patients. This paper describes our feasibility study of a nature-based intervention (NBI) to reduce perceived stress and quality of life as it relates to burnout, and compassion fatigue. Quantitative data was collected through demographics, surveys, and electronic sensor data. The project’s aim was to determine the feasibility of NBI monitored by NatureDoseTM to decrease perceived stress burnout and compassion fatigue among undergraduate nursing students.

Daily exposure to virtual nature reduces symptoms of anxiety in college students

“…Data on time in nature outdoors should be collected in studies of virtual nature to evaluate how time outdoors influences adherence and efficacy of time in VR. Researchers can track the number of minutes participants spend outdoors using mobile apps like NatureDose™ (NatureQuant LLC, Bend, OR) or calculate greenspace access using residential addresses and remotely sensed data 39 . Qualitative inquiry could help interpret differences in how participants emotionally respond to different types of natural landscapes-both real and virtual 40 .…”

Quantifying Nature: Introducing NatureScoreTM and NatureDoseTM as Health Analysis and Promotion Tools

“…These technologies are beginning to help researchers refine our understanding of the benefits of nature exposure and catalyze the use of nature as a health promotion tool. 65,66 NatureScore TM : Quantifying Nature Based on Human Health Associations NatureScore TM is a patent-pending dataset and tool that estimates the amount and quality of nature and associated environmental conditions at any location (Figure 2) in the United States and Canada, with expansion to Europe and Australia in the near future. For any given location or spatial unit (i.e., census block or tract), NatureQuant analyzed approximately 30 data sets and processed information with up to a 10-m 2 granularity, ultimately returning NatureScore TM values ranging from 0 (nature-deprived) to 100 (nature-rich) (Figure 3).…”

“…To date, the app has been used in completed health studies in Oregon 66 and South Carolina 65 with numerous other studies underway. Studies have found that NatureDose TM -measured nature exposure was associated with lowered stress levels 66 and improved positive mood states, 65 as reported in survey responses among college students. Trials where healthcare providers are "prescribing" time outdoors in nature and requesting participants monitor exposure using the app are being conducted in Vermont, 75 Texas, and Oregon.…”

Spending Time in Nature: The Overlooked Health Behavior

“…These technologies are beginning to help researchers refine our understanding of the benefits of nature exposure and catalyze the use of nature as a health promotion tool. 65,66 NatureScore TM : Quantifying Nature Based on Human Health Associations NatureScore TM is a patent-pending dataset and tool that estimates the amount and quality of nature and associated environmental conditions at any location (Figure 2) in the United States and Canada, with expansion to Europe and Australia in the near future. For any given location or spatial unit (i.e., census block or tract), NatureQuant analyzed approximately 30 data sets and processed information with up to a 10-m 2 granularity, ultimately returning NatureScore TM values ranging from 0 (nature-deprived) to 100 (nature-rich) (Figure 3).…”

“…To date, the app has been used in completed health studies in Oregon 66 and South Carolina 65 with numerous other studies underway. Studies have found that NatureDose TM -measured nature exposure was associated with lowered stress levels 66 and improved positive mood states, 65 as reported in survey responses among college students.…”