Quality criteria of nature-based interventions in healthcare facilities: a scoping review

Sterckx, Ann; Delbaere, Ben; De Blust, Geert; Spacova, Irina; Samson, Roeland; Remmen, Roy; Keune, Hans

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1327108

Cited by 3 publications

(27 citation statements)

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“…This common interest within an HCF brings nature management (NM) and healthcare together in the design and implementation, what we refer to as ‘integrated nature-based interventions’ (iNBIs). However, iNBIs in HCFs are a novel area in both research and practical implementation ( 32 ). HCPs require evidence-based practices to ensure quality care delivery.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Complex intervention frameworks, including Intervention Mapping ( 34 ) and implementation science ( 35 ), serve as the basis for their design, implementation, and evaluation. However, their use in iNBIs within HCFs appears to be limited ( 32 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Quality criteria also facilitate rigorous evaluation and identify areas for improvement. However, it is unclear which criteria HCFs use for iNBIs ( 32 ). Additionally, today, iNBIs do not fit straightforwardly into the prevailing frameworks regarding evidence-based practice and quality of healthcare.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As part of a larger study, a scoping review ( 32 ) was conducted by the same authors on the quality criteria of NBIs in HCFs, which resulted in a preliminary framework. A visual overview of the preliminary set of eight quality criteria is given in Figure 1 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… Preliminary framework with quality criteria for nature-based interventions in healthcare facilities. Reprinted with permission from ( 32 ), licensed under CC BY 4.0, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1327108 . …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Fine-tuning the practical relevance of a quality framework for integrated nature-based interventions in healthcare facilities. A qualitative interview study

Sterckx,

Delbaere,

De Blust

et al. 2024

Front. Public Health

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IntroductionIntegrated nature-based interventions in healthcare facilities are gaining importance as promising health and biodiversity promotion strategies. This type of interventions combines the restoration of biodiversity in the vicinity of the healthcare facility with guiding patients in that natural environment for health outcomes. However, quality appraisal of these interventions is still poorly developed. Based on a recent scoping review, the authors developed a preliminary quality framework in support of healthcare facilities designing, implementing and evaluating integrated nature-based interventions. This present study aims to fine-tune the practical relevance of the quality framework within the emerging practice.MethodsA qualitative interview study was conducted in seven healthcare facilities in Belgium. Using a combination of snowball and purposive sampling, 22 professionals, involved in the integrated nature-based intervention in their facility, participated in the study. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed and imported into NVivo. A deductive and inductive thematic analysis was used to explore the practical relevance of the quality framework. A stakeholders’ assembly review and a member checking of the findings were also part of the study.FindingsTwenty-two interviews with nature management coordinators, healthcare professionals, and healthcare managers were conducted by three principal investigators in seven healthcare facilities implementing integrated nature-based interventions. The contextualization and complexity of integrated nature-based interventions in the participating healthcare facilities demonstrated the need for an evidence-based quality framework describing nature-based interventions. The study led to nine quality criteria, confirming the eight quality criteria derived from a previous scoping review, and the identification of a new quality criterion ‘Capacity building, leverage and continuity’. These quality criteria have been refined. Finally, a proposal for a quality framework was developed and operationalized in a checklist. Deployment of the quality framework should be embedded in a continuous cyclical, adaptive process of monitoring and adjusting based on evaluations at each phase of an integrated nature-based intervention.DiscussionBridging the domains of healthcare and nature management in the context of an integrated nature-based intervention in a healthcare facility requires a transdisciplinary approach. Scientific frameworks such as “complex interventions,” Planetary Health and One Health can support the co-design, implementation and evaluation of integrated nature-based interventions within a cyclical, adaptive process. In addition, the importance of the quality of the interactions with nature could gain from more sophisticated attention. Finally, the implications for healthcare facilities, policymakers and education are discussed, as well as the strengths and limitations of the study.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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