Evidence-based practice – what is it?

Based on the evidence currently available, offering nature stays as a wellness solution has definite benefits. The participants engage in the activity because they themselves have chosen to do so and are themselves responsible for any repercussions (adverse effects of nature stays are considered very rare).

Including the perspective of nature-based health in a professional care or welfare environment is not quite so simple. But there are solutions to that too. For example, you can refer to the guidelines set out by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare in relation to evidence-based practice.

In evidence-based practice, an individual's needs, wishes and requirements are weighed against the most effective prevailing knowledge (evidence) and the professional experience of the executor. However, it is the individual participant's wishes that hold most weight when planning an activity. After it has been planned and implemented, it is followed up and evaluated according to specific criteria. Everything should be presented openly.

This opportunity exists because it is also clear to the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare that evidence alone is not always sufficient as a basis for providing the best possible help to individuals.

Read more about evidence-based practice here

/Text: Åsa Ottosson