Prescribing Nature in Primary Care: A Non-Pharmacological Approach to Complement Current Chronic Disease Management

Abstract

Chronic diseases account for a large proportion of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chronic diseases negatively affect patients’ health and quality of life, and increase healthcare expenditures. Nurse Practitioners must seek out cost-effective initiatives to decrease the burden of chronic diseases; prescribing time spent in nature is one such initiative. Spending time in nature improves mental and physical health and helps people become more environmentally conscious, thereby benefiting planetary health. Social prescriptions, such as green prescriptions, are an effective tool to encourage patients to spend more time in nature on a regular basis, which can lead to significant health benefits.