Contextual Factors and Programme Theories Associated with Implementing Blue Prescription Programmes

A Systematic Realist Review

Bibliographic Data

ID15087163
AuthorsJulius Cesar Alejandre (0000-0001-5972-9080, Glasgow Caledonian University, corresponding author), Sébastien Chastin (0000-0003-1421-9348, Glasgow Caledonian University), Katherine N Irvine (0000-0001-8860-2783, Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences Department, The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, UK), Michail Georgiou (0000-0002-7652-8683, Glasgow Caledonian University), Preeti Khanna (0000-0003-0443-3893, University of Delhi), Zoë Tieges (0000-0002-3820-3917, Glasgow Caledonian University), Niamh Smith (0000-0002-9255-2528, Glasgow Caledonian University), Yong-Yee Chong (0000-0002-5968-924X, University of Malaya), Frances Claire Onagan (0000-0001-7330-2198, Department of Health, Health Promotion Bureau, Manila, Philippines), Lesley Price (0000-0001-5678-4818, Glasgow Caledonian University), Sharon Pfleger (0000-0002-8588-6378, Public Health Directorate, National Health Service Highland, Inverness, UK), Rachel Helliwell (0000-0002-4918-7481, Centre of Expertise for Waters, The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, UK), JUDITH SINGLETON (0000-0002-7715-6391, Queensland University of Technology), Samuel Curran (International Services, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Stirling, UK), Allan Estandarte (0000-0003-0445-9663, University of Antwerp), Emily Sophia Smith (McMaster University), Karin Helwig (0000-0002-9133-5804, Glasgow Caledonian University)
EditorsAmelia Compagni (0000-0003-1744-3134)
Year2023
Volume2023
Pages1-24
Publication date2023-04-05
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth & Social Care in the Community (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0966-0410 • E-ISSN: 1365-2524
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1155/2023/6551521
OpenAlexW4362604260
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited109

Nature-based social prescribing such as “blue prescription” promotes public health and health improvement of individuals with long-term health conditions. However, there is limited evidence explaining the relationship of contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes of implementing blue prescription programmes (BPPs) in health and social care settings that could inform policy and practice. We conducted a systematic realist review by searching PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Scopus, MEDLINE, and CINAHL for articles published in English between January 2000 and June 2022 about health and social care professionals providing referral to or prescription of blue space activities (e.g., swimming, fishing, surfing, etc.) with health-related outcomes. Components and descriptions of BPP implementation were extracted and used to develop themes of contextual factors used to develop programme theories and a logic model demonstrating the mechanisms of BPP implementation. Sixteen studies with adequate to strong quality were included from 8,619 records. After participating in BPPs referred to or prescribed by health and social care professionals, service users had improvements in their physical, cognitive (mental), social health, and proenvironmental knowledge. Service user-related contextual factors were referral information, free equipment, transportation, social support, blue space environments, and skills of service providers. Programme-related contextual factors were communication, multistakeholder collaboration, financing, and adequate service providers. Programme theories on service user enrolment, engagement, adherence, communication protocols, and programme sustainability explain the mechanisms of BPP implementation. BPPs could promote health and wellbeing if contextual factors and programme theories associated with service users’ characteristics and programme delivery are considered in the design, delivery, and evaluation of BPPs. Our study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020170660)

CINAHL · Health care · Medical prescription · MEDLINE · Political science · PsycINFO · Public relations · Referral · Art Therapy and Mental Health · Community Health and Development · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Urban Green Space and Health

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access