Allied health professionals are calling for the incorporation of more outdoor spaces, like community gardens, in care.
Whether it's a walk by the sea or a breath of fresh air in the park, spending time in nature is widely known to support good health and wellbeing.
Now, new research from the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia shows that while nature-based therapy is strongly supported by allied health professionals, more needs to be done to embed it into routine care.
In the first study of its kind, published in the journal Health and Place, researchers found that 97 per cent of allied health professionals believe that outdoor environments can help prevent and manage a wide range of physical, mental and social health conditions.
Yet, significant barriers from carers, clients, and other health professionals can also prevent its use.
Surveying 77 allied health professionals - including psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and exercise physiologists - the study found that more than 94 per cent regularly recommend time outdoors to their clients.
"Allied health professionals can play an important role in improving people's access to and use of nature, to benefit their health and wellbeing," says lead author and University of Adelaide Senior Research Fellow, Dr Jessica Stanhope.
"Whether it's persistent pain, high blood pressure, respiratory issues, or depression, allied health professionals recognise the therapeutic potential of time spent in nature.
"But despite their support, barriers such as limited access to green spaces, mobility issues, patient safety concerns, and even scepticism from other professionals can prevent nature-based therapies from being used."
Other common challenges include professional resistance or lack of awareness about the evidence supporting nature-based approaches; environmental factors such as weather, infrastructure, and lack of inclusive design; and client concerns about motivation, ability, or perceived credibility of nature therapies.
More than 70 per cent of allied health professionals had advocated for providing and improving natural environments, with 55 per cent directly involved in efforts to make outdoor spaces more accessible for therapy.
"Even when patients can't physically get outdoors, we know that exposure to nature - through images, sounds, scents, or simply viewing natural scenes - can still be beneficial," says Dr Stanhope.
"This is where community gardens, indoor green spaces in aged care facilities, and nature-based learning activities in schools and childcare settings are so valuable.
"Through activities like walking outside, gardening, or even playing on a jungle gym, people are doing everyday skills, building their confidence, capacity and social connection."
Co-researcher Professor Mary Butler from UniSA says nature should be more fully integrated into the design and delivery of allied health.
"We need to translate the research into practical strategies so that nature-based activities become part of standard care," Prof Butler says.
"That includes improving outdoor spaces through better paths, seating, shade, and fencing, and boosting awareness across the health sector and community about the benefits of nature for wellbeing.
"With the right support, everyone - including older adults and people with disability - can access the outdoors and its health benefits."
