Nature-based approaches: a mixed methods study of facilitators and barriers to implementation in CAMHS

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Growing evidence supports nature's benefits for health and well-being.
• Potential benefits of Nature-based approaches (NBAs) in healthcare settings are emerging.
• Implementation of NBAs in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the implementation of NBAs within CAMHS.
• To examine staff attitudes and understanding of NBAs.
• To identify potential benefits and challenges of NBAs in CAMHS.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study involving online surveys (two waves) and semi-structured interviews.
• Data collected alongside NatureWell training for 64 CAMHS staff.
• Participants sampled from one NHS Trust, including those who did and did not attend training.

Main Results:

• 97 staff responded to wave 1 survey, 57 to wave 2; 14 staff interviewed.
• Key themes identified: tension between CAMHS culture and NBAs, and the need for buy-in and governance support.
• Potential benefits for staff and service users were also described (in a separate paper).

Conclusions:

• Implementing NBAs in CYP mental health services presents challenges and opportunities.
• Organizational and cultural factors, like risk aversion, pose significant barriers.
• Firsthand experience and other facilitators warrant further exploration for successful NBA implementation in CAMHS.