Primary-care based participatory rehabilitation: Users' views of a horticultural and arts project

Abstract

Background: Participation in horticulture and artsmay improve wellbeing in those withmental and physical illness. Aim: To conduct an in-depth exploration of the views and experience of participants of a primary-care- based horticultural and participatory arts rehabilitation project (Sydenham Garden). Design and setting: Qualitative interview study of a primary-care-based horticultural and participatory arts rehabilitation project in South London. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants (referred to as 'coworkers') of Sydenham Garden. Seven were female. Participants were aged between 38 and 91 years and had a range of severemental and physical health problems;most had depression. The interviews were analysed using constant comparison and thematic analysis. Results: Data were overwhelmingly positive concerning participation. Coworkers considered participation in the project to promote wellbeing by providing purposeful and enjoyable activity and interest, improvingmood and selfperceptions, and providing an escape fromlife's pressures. Being outdoors was considered therapeutic. Themost-valued aspect of participation was the social contact derived as a result of it. Many of the coworkers who were interviewed developed transferable skills, including nationally recognised qualifications, which they valued highly. Conclusion: Delivery of horticultural therapy and participatory arts is a feasiblemodel for improving wellbeing in patients in primary care who have serious illness. Longer-termstudies are needed to address what happens to people after leaving such projects. ©British Journal of General Practice.