Nature-based supportive care opportunities: a conceptual framework

Abstract

Word count: 3,440 (excluding title page, abstract, references, figures and tables) 1 2 ABSTRACT Objective Given preliminary evidence for positive health outcomes related to contact with nature for cancer populations, research is warranted to ascertain possible strategies for incorporating nature-based care opportunities into oncology contexts as additional strategies for addressing multi-dimensional aspects of cancer patients' health and recovery needs. The objective of this study was to consolidate existing research related to naturebased supportive care opportunities and generate a conceptual framework for discerning relevant applications in the supportive care setting. Methods Drawing on research investigating nature-based engagement in oncology contexts, a 2-step analytic process was used to construct a conceptual framework for guiding nature-based supportive care design and future research. Concept analysis methodology generated new representations of understanding by extracting and synthesizing salient concepts. Newly formulated concepts were transposed to findings from related research about patient-reported and healthcare expert-developed recommendations for nature-based supportive care in oncology. Results Five theoretical concepts (themes) were formulated describing patients' reasons for engaging with nature and the underlying needs these interactions address. These included: connecting with what is genuinely valued, distancing from the cancer experience, meaning-making and reframing the cancer experience, finding comfort and safety, and vital nurturance. Eight shared patient and expert recommendations were compiled, which address the identified needs through nature-based initiatives. Eleven additional patient-reported recommendations attend to beneficial and adverse experiential qualities of patients' nature-based engagement and complete the framework. Conclusions The framework outlines salient findings about helpful nature-based supportive care opportunities for ready access by healthcare practitioners, designers, researchers and patients themselves.

Therapeutic Hospital Gardens: Literature Review and Working Definition

“…A patient’s needs while in hospital depend on personal circumstances, on their life situation, and mental and physical capacity after serious illness ( Blaschke et al, 2017 ). People living with cancer value being in nature because it enables a connection with what is truly valued, offers time out from the cancer experience, supports sense making, and reframes the cancer experience by feeling vital support, strength, and hope for the future ( Blaschke et al, 2018 ; Blaschke et al, 2020 ; Blaschke et al, 2017 ). User experience validates that sensory stimulation, distraction, relaxation, personal safety, physical activity, and individual freedom are experienced by patients when in nature, all of which are important to patient well-being.…”

“…Incongruity was identified between the needs of patients and the recommendations from experts. Experts focus on practical needs and exercise opportunities for patients, whereas patients focus on the experiential qualities of their nature engagements ( Blaschke et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Incongruity was identified between the needs of patients and the recommendations from experts. Experts focus on practical needs and exercise opportunities for patients, whereas patients focus on the experiential qualities of their nature engagements (Blaschke et al, 2020). Butterfield and Martin (2016) concur that garden users, experiencing a crisis that challenges perception, purpose, and meaning, are comforted by being in nature, and they draw personal symbolism from the garden experience to make sense of it all.…”

Re-Thinking Spatial Design in Homes to Include Means and Access Restriction with Material Impacts as Passive Suicide Prevention Methods: A Systematic Review of Design for Australian Homes

“…In Australia, natural biophilic designs provide restorative effects from the positive cognitive interpretation of natural forms and shapes [12]. Complimentary stress reduction theory (SRT) and attention restoration theory (ART) show benefits for wellbeing in homes using biophilic, social and spatial designs [2,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Environmental design psychology considering SRT and ART shows positive impacts, and with it, designers can micro-manage adverse designs that cause biochemical stress impacts such as cortisol release [20].…”