Growing Together: current research
A feasibility study of the use of a randomised controlled trial of therapeutic horticulture for people with mental health problems in the UK
The Mental Health Foundation and Thrive
We recently completed a three year study of the use and effectiveness of social and therapeutic horticulture for promoting health, well-being and social inclusion - click here to see details of this previous work
 The original Growing Together study was a qualitative exploration of the experiences and perceptions of clients and staff of garden projects, however, there is also a need to provide quantitative, statistically robust, evidence of the effectiveness of STH.
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) provide such evidence in medical research where they are regarded by many as a ‘gold standard’, however, such an approach has not been used successfully in the field of STH or similar interventions.
The purpose of this project has been to prepare the way for major research into social and therapeutic horticulture that will provide quantitative, statistically robust evidence of its effectiveness.
The study attempted to assess the feasibility of using a randomised control trial design for studying social and therapeutic horticulture and to explore alternative approaches and methods.
- Explore and assess all of the issues surrounding the use of a randomised controlled trial design to evaluate the benefits of social and therapeutic horticulture (STH).
- Identify health trusts (and individuals) who will refer potential participants for a RCT of STH, and garden projects able to participate in such a trial and to obtain a commitment from these parties.
- Identify suitable outcome measures and methods for use in a RCT and evaluate them in a pilot study.
- Use data from the pilot of outcome measures to inform the sample size calculation for a RCT.
- Formulate criteria for the STH interventions to be used within a RCT and to identify and formulate criteria for control activities.
- Identify inclusion and exclusion criteria for participants.
- Bring together all interested parties, including service users of STH, in a ‘Community of Interested Parties’ that will inform and facilitate the development of a strategy for a RCT in this area.
- Examine any logistical or procedural issues that may be pertinent to a full scale study.
- Explore alternatives to a RCT design.
Sempik, J. (2007) Researching Social and Therapeutic Horticulture: A study of methodology. Reading: Thrive and Loughborough: CCFR.
Although STH is considered to be effective by many medical and social care practitioners, including psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists and social workers, ‘lack of hard evidence’ is an inhibiting factor in the provision of funds for this intervention.
Additional, high quality research in this field will therefore improve funding and provision of services and will promote the professionalisation of practitioners of STH.
Dr Joe Sempik
|