Articles
Functionality and effectiveness of evaluating activities in therapeutic green space
Article number
1459_5
Pages
43 – 52
Language
English
Abstract
Several review studies on the efficacy of therapeutic horticulture acknowledge the benefits associated with this practice but underscore the lack of scientific research providing robust, reliable and meaningful data.
Taking into account the potential benefits of therapeutic green space, an analysis was conducted using data collected at the Serafico Institute of Assisi (in Italy) during the pre-pandemic years to assess the effectiveness of the methodology employed in evaluating users in therapeutic green space.
For this study, therapeutic horticulture and ceramic workshop were examined to analyze the evaluation methodology used by the operators for the two different activities.
A group of 10 users of different ages, genders, and levels of cognitive disability was identified to participate in both activities.
The evaluation was conducted through SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) objectives.
The parameters considered and their related objectives were chosen among characteristics that can be common to the various users and comparable within the two activities, such as autonomy, socialization and manual skills.
As an example, the parameter attention and concentration was measured through the objectives ability to follow procedure and duration of user concentration. The results obtained revealed the inadequacy of the current methodology, highlighting the need for modifications to obtain a more functional approach for analyzing the effectiveness of therapeutic green spaces and the benefits they offer.
This research will continue in order to improve our understanding of its effectiveness and underlying causal mechanisms associated with contact with nature.
Taking into account the potential benefits of therapeutic green space, an analysis was conducted using data collected at the Serafico Institute of Assisi (in Italy) during the pre-pandemic years to assess the effectiveness of the methodology employed in evaluating users in therapeutic green space.
For this study, therapeutic horticulture and ceramic workshop were examined to analyze the evaluation methodology used by the operators for the two different activities.
A group of 10 users of different ages, genders, and levels of cognitive disability was identified to participate in both activities.
The evaluation was conducted through SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) objectives.
The parameters considered and their related objectives were chosen among characteristics that can be common to the various users and comparable within the two activities, such as autonomy, socialization and manual skills.
As an example, the parameter attention and concentration was measured through the objectives ability to follow procedure and duration of user concentration. The results obtained revealed the inadequacy of the current methodology, highlighting the need for modifications to obtain a more functional approach for analyzing the effectiveness of therapeutic green spaces and the benefits they offer.
This research will continue in order to improve our understanding of its effectiveness and underlying causal mechanisms associated with contact with nature.
Publication
Authors
V. Cioncoloni, G. Pennisi, F. Orsini, S. Bona, C. Righetto, G. Gianquinto
Keywords
healing garden, therapeutic horticulture, garden therapy, social horticulture, health promotion, well-being
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