Nature-based therapy in healthcare: a focused review and prelude to an upcoming trial at a public tertiary hospital in Singapore.
10.4103/singaporemedj.SMJ-2025-065
- Author:
Kah Meng KWOK
1
;
Joyce Su Ching NG
2
;
Si Ching LIM
3
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore.
2. Department of Trauma Recovery and Corporate Solutions, Changi General Hospital, Singapore.
3. Department of Geriatric Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Health;
healthcare;
horticulture;
nature-based;
sustainability
- MeSH:
Humans;
Singapore;
Tertiary Care Centers;
Hospitals, Public;
Delivery of Health Care;
Nature;
Complementary Therapies/methods*;
Medicine, Traditional/methods*
- From:Singapore medical journal
2025;66(Suppl 1):S63-S69
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The advances of modern medicine have inadvertently led to a globally ageing population plagued primarily with non-communicable diseases. In addition to traditional medical approaches, nature-based therapy is becoming an increasingly attractive option, with its potential to holistically address physical and mental facets of health and well-being, and to complement 'preventive' and 'population health' strategies, both of which form the bedrock of sustainable healthcare. However, at present, there is vast heterogeneity in the implementation of nature-based therapy, limiting its widespread and sustainable use. The aim of this review is to practically examine and provide a focussed summary of the current evidence with a view to identifying existing gaps and limitations, and to propose directions for future research and implementation within the healthcare setting.
