Australian allied health professionals' perspectives on current practice, benefits, challenges, and opportunities in nature-based approaches

Jessica Stanhope; Kristen Foley; Mary Butler; Jennifer Boddy; Kelly Clanchy; Emma George; Rachel Roberts; Paul Rothmore; Amy Salter; Patricia Serocki; Abirami Thirumanickam; Philip Weinstein

doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2025.103430

Australian allied health professionals' perspectives on current practice, benefits, challenges, and opportunities in nature-based approaches

Health Place. 2025 May:93:103430. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2025.103430. Epub 2025 Apr 24.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, North Tce, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; The Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, North Tce, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia. Electronic address: Jessica.stanhope@adelaide.edu.au.
² School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, North Tce, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Research Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.
³ School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, North Tce, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia.
⁴ School of Health Science and Social Work, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia; Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia; Climate Action Beacon, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia; Disrupting Violence Beacon, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia.
⁵ School of Health Science and Social Work, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia; The Hospkins Centre, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia.
⁶ School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, North Tce, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
⁷ School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
⁸ School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
⁹ The Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, North Tce, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.

PMID: 40279699
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2025.103430

Abstract

Purpose: To guide the effective use of nature-based approaches (NBAs), we aimed to determine current practice, challenges and proposed solutions concerning the use of these approaches by allied health professionals (AHPs). We also investigated the signs, symptoms and conditions AHPs believe NBAs may prevent and/or manage, as well as the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods: Allied health professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists, psychologists, social workers and speech pathologists) who used or wanted to use NBAs in Australia were invited to complete an online questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed through inductive coding and categorisation, and paired with descriptive statistics for the quantitative data to develop our understandings.

Results: Allied health professionals indicated that exposure to nature could prevent and/or manage a range of physical and mental health, social and developmental outcomes. In addition to using NBAs with patients/clients, AHPs were also engaged with advocacy for or involvement in the provision of natural spaces indicating the broader roles in which AHPs work and utilise NBAs. Perceived challenges were identified, which related to the patients/clients, AHPs themselves, and external factors. Recommended solutions included increasing education for AHPs and the general public about NBAs, advancing related research, implementing relevant governance changes, and legitimising the role(s) of these approaches to allied health practice.

Conclusions: Increasing awareness of and evidence about NBAs among AHPs across sectors - particularly those involving policy, education, funding, and health management - will support their legitimacy and potential benefit of NBAs across a range of populations.

Keywords: Allied health; Green space; Management; Nature; Prevention; Treatment.

MeSH terms

Adult
Allied Health Personnel* / psychology
Attitude of Health Personnel*
Australia
COVID-19* / epidemiology
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Qualitative Research
SARS-CoV-2
Surveys and Questionnaires