title: Therapeutic responses to natural environments: using gardens to improve health care.
abstract: Gardens are experiencing a renaissance in health care settings as a growing body of research is showing that exposure to natural environments can improve both the patient experience and health outcomes. This article reviews studies that have shown a connection between exposure to nature and improved healing, less medication use, shorter hospitalizations, and decreased anxiety and stress among family members and staff. It also provides guidelines for garden design in medical settings.
authors.affiliation: College of Design, University of Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mitrione
mesh_terms: D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001107:Architectural Accessibility; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D051639:Gardening; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D006749:Hospital Design and Construction; D006801:Humans; D008910:Minnesota