12 Nature Prescriptions Doctors Are Now Writing—and How They Help

11. Barriers to wider adoption and how they're being addressed

Barriers include limited clinician time, inconsistent terminology, lack of local referral infrastructure, and questions about insurance coverage. Measuring outcomes consistently is also a challenge—nature’s benefits are broad and individualized, which makes standardization hard. Addressing these gaps means building service directories, training health staff in referral practices, and creating simple outcome measures that capture mood, activity, and social connection. Some regions invest in link workers—people who bridge clinic and community—while others embed short training on green prescriptions into continuing medical education. Research teams are working to refine measurement approaches so funders can see the return on investment. Over time, integrating nature prescriptions into clinical workflows, building partnerships with community organizations, and collecting consistent outcome data will make wider adoption feasible and sustainable.

12. How to use a nature prescription — practical tips for patients

If your clinician offers a nature prescription, think of it as a small, structured plan rather than a vague suggestion. Start with clear, achievable goals—short walks, a weekly gardening session, or joining a gentle guided group. Ask for details: duration, frequency, and local contacts. If mobility or transport is a concern, request adapted options like nearby green spaces, raised beds for gardening, or seated nature activities. Bring a friend or family member if social support helps. Track simple indicators—mood before and after, sleep changes, or how often you went—to share at follow-up visits. If you don't have a prescriber yet, you can still create a personal "prescription": set specific times, pick a location, and commit to a gentle dose each week. Community centers, parks departments, and local health services often list nature-based groups. Finally, prioritize safety: check weather, dress for comfort, and let someone know where you'll be if you go alone. Tiny, consistent steps often lead to meaningful gains.