Effectiveness of Physician-recommended Nature Prescriptions for Cardiac Rehabilitation in Diverse Human Populations Under Climate Change

Project ID: 23-JV-11261956-011

Federal Agency: U.S. Forest Service

Partner Institution: Portland State University

Fiscal Year: 2023

Initial Funding: $150,000

Total Funding: $150,000

Principal Investigator: Bluffstone, Randall

Principal Investigator: Dissanayake, Sahan

Agreement Technical Representative: Kline, Jeff

Abstract: We will examine the efficacy of “nature prescriptions”—physician-prescribed time in nature, including urban forests, ordered as part of patients’ care, with the goal of improving health outcomes following cardiac events such as myocardial infarction (heart attacks) and heart surgery. We will conduct a randomized controlled trial in greater Portland to estimate the incremental effects of nature prescriptions for rehabilitating cardiac patients, across demographic groups, with a focus on historically marginalized populations, in light of on-going climate change which is expected to affect PNW forests. Cardiac patients typically undergo a standard twelve-week cardiac rehabilitation program of electronic heart monitoring, medical exams, and increasing exercise and medication. We will use a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of nature prescriptions across actual patients of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Once health outcomes are estimated, we will use existing literature and data on potential climate change effects within PNW forests to forecast how nature prescription outcomes might change as the PNW climate changes.