Australian GPs now formally prescribe nature as medicine
The RACGP endorses guidelines letting doctors prescribe outdoor time for patient health.
For the first time, Australia's Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has endorsed formal rules for GPs to prescribe nature. The People and Parks Foundation created the guidelines.
They show doctors how to prescribe outdoor time as part of routine care. Research shows spending time in nature helps.
Just 20 minutes a day or two hours weekly can reduce stress, improve mood and sleep, and lower blood pressure. A study looked at 39 young Victorians.
Two hours weekly of nature time eased their loneliness and psychological distress. Vicki Kotsirilos is a GP.
The evidence is strong, she notes. Nature contact improves mental health and reduces depression and anxiety.
It boosts wellbeing and social connection.
- People and Parks Foundation
- Guidelines created by
- 20 minutes daily or 2 hours weekly
- Minimum effective time
Why it mattersPatients now get a doctor-backed choice instead of or alongside medication. Real evidence supports it.
AustraliaAustralian healthcare now formally recognises nature exposure as a treatment. Over 1000 GPs already prescribe it; this endorsement will likely encourage many more.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 13 h ago
