Study on introducing and the efficacy of horticulture therapy for palliative care of patients

Abstract

Purpose: As integrated medicine has been receiving more attention, therapeutic effect of plants has become more evident in recent years. However, many hospitals in Japan have not taken advantage of horticultural therapy in their palliative care unit yet. In the present study, we examined the role and the experience of horticulture as an individual therapy for patients in palliative care unit. Results and Discussion: More smiles were observed on the patients as evident from their Face scale score changes on days horticultural therapy was conducted. Coming into contact with the vital force of plants, through germination, flowering, and seed setting seemed to act as an effective care for the patients. Comparison of the nurses' daily journal and horticultural therapists' logbook showed difference in the nature of conversations recorded, indicating a specific role of horticultural therapists in palliative care. Conclusion: The study suggested a potential for individual therapy of patients with horticulture in palliative care as a part of integrated medicine that requires involvement of multiple medical disciplines.