Benefits of healing gardens in neuropsychiatric healthcare facilities

Objectives. Recent literature demonstrates that gardens and natural elements can increase the quality of life of patients and staff in health-care facilities. The study aims to assess the benefits of nature in the interior and exterior environment for a neuropsychiatric nursing home patients. Methods. The Study has carried out a prospective open-label trial, among patients with mood disorders, divided into two groups of rooms, according to a randomization list, characterized by presence/absence of green plants inside. The variables investigated are both clinical (clinical course with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - HAM-D, the Clinical Global Impression Scale - CGI, and the Symptom Checklist-90, and the level of functioning with the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, GAF) and nature-related (activities and time spent in the garden, through a daily diary filled by patients with the support of caregivers). Finally, the improvement of the quality of life was investigated by the European Quality of Life Questionnaire (EuroQol or EQ-5D). Results. The presence of green plants in the room seems to be statistically significant in improving the Qol only for patients with an initial small degree of disorder. The possibility to use the garden is appreciated by patients that generally indicate they feel better during and after its use. Discussion. The benefits of natural elements in the care of mood disorders should be considered as a therapeutic effect of the nature.