Healing gardens and their impact on rehabilitation: Integrating humane design in Nanning City general hospitals' outdoor environments

Abstract

The study examines the effects of healing gardens on patients, healthcare professionals, and tourists in general hospitals in Nanning City, emphasizing humane design and outdoor environments. A survey of 400 participants, including physicians, patients, and tourists from Trinidad and Tobago was conducted to assess their perceptions of the benefits of healing gardens. The study measured the impact on anxiety reduction, sociability, physiological activity levels  and mood enhancement  with data analyzed using independent samples t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings indicate significant reductions in anxiety levels for both patients and hospital personnel with patients experiencing more pronounced improvements. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of physical activity levels and mood enhancement. Patients highlighted the garden’s role as an important social space suggesting a positive influence on recovery and reinforcing the necessity of healing gardens for patient rehabilitation. The study underscores the importance of accessible and  well-designed outdoor spaces in healthcare environments, contributing to holistic well-being and informing potential improvements in garden design to better serve diverse user groups.