What is the evidence for the impact of gardens and gardening on health and well-being : a scoping review and evidence-based logic model to guide healthcare strategy decision making on the use of gardening approaches as a social prescription

Howarth, ML; Brettle, AJ; Hardman, M; Maden, M

Abstract

Objective:
To systematically identify and describe studies that have evaluated the impact of gardens
and gardening on health and wellbeing. A secondary objective was to use this evidence to build
evidence-based logic models to guide health strategy decision making about gardens and gardening
as a non-medical, social prescription.
Design:
Scoping review of the impact of gardens and gardening on health and wellbeing. Gardens
include private spaces and those open to the public or part of hospitals, care homes, hospices or third
sector organisations.
Data Sources:
A range of biomedical and health management journals were searched including
Medline, CINAHL, Psychinfo, Web of Knowledge, ASSIA, Cochrane, Joanna Briggs, Greenfile,
Environment Complete and a number of indicative websites were searched to locate context specific
data and grey literature. We searched from 1990 – November 2019.
Eligibility Criteria:
We included research studies (including systematic reviews) that assessed the
effect, value or impact of any garden that met the gardening definition.
Data Extraction and Synthesis:
Three reviewers jointly screened 50 records by titles and abstracts to
ensure calibration. Each record title was screened independently by 2 out of 3 members of the project
team and each abstract was screened by 1 member of a team of 3. Random checks on abstract and
full text screening were conducted by a fourth member of the team and any discrepancies were
resolved through double-checking and discussion.
Results:
From the 8896 papers located, a total of 77* studies were included. Over 35 validated health,
wellbeing and functional biometric outcome measures were reported. Interventions ranged from
viewing gardens, taking part in gardening or undertaking therapeutic activities. The findings
demonstrated links between gardens and improved mental wellbeing, increased physical activity and
a reduction in social isolation enabling the development of 2 logic models.
Conclusions:
Gardens and gardening can improve the health and wellbeing for people with a range of
health and social needs. The benefits of gardens and gardening could be used as a ‘social prescription’
globally, for people with Long Terms Conditions (LTC). Our logic models provide an evidence-based
illustration that can guide health strategy decision making about the referral of people with LTC to
socially prescribed, non-medical interventions involving gardens and gardening

Citation

Howarth, M., Brettle, A., Hardman, M., & Maden, M. (2020). What is the evidence for the impact of gardens and gardening on health and well-being : a scoping review and evidence-based logic model to guide healthcare strategy decision making on the use of gardening approaches as a social prescription. BMJ Open, 10(7), https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-036923

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 21, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jul 19, 2020
• Publication Date: Jul 19, 2020
• Deposit Date: May 13, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 21, 2020
• Journal: BMJ Open
• Electronic ISSN: 2044-6055
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Volume: 10
• Issue: 7
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-036923
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-036923
• Related Public URLs: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/