| Summary: | Thesis (MTech (Horticulture))--Peninsula Technikon, 2004 === The term "horticultural therapy" is unfamiliar to most South Africans. However it is
well accepted in South Africa that horticulture plays an important role in human
well being both physically and psychological. It is generally believed that people
who engage in gardening tend to benefit. The research study investigates
whether plant related activities integrated into rehabilitation programme, actually
benefit participants. It shows how patients at a chosen healthcare institution
respond upon exposure to various horticulture activities in order to identify
activities appropriate for the inclusion and design in a horticultural therapy
programme. The study identifies factors necessary for the design of a business
plan for a horticulturist engaging in a horticultural therapy programme under local
conditions.
The methodology adopted was mainly quantitative. The study is also descriptive
in nature. It seeks to develop a model from a range of activities that would best
meet the needs of specific groups subjects, through the careful and deliberate
observation and evaluation of patients as they engage with the activities. The
measuring instruments have been designed for experimentation research
purpose. It involved setting up an experiment (patients engaged in a designed
horticulture activity) and collecting the data. Information regarding the participant
response to designed activities was also gathered on the basis of observations
and interviews.
The population consisted of patients admitted at a public (State) psychiatric
institution in the Western Cape. The sample consisted of 12 patients, four
patients from each of the following categories: Forensics, Intellectually
Challenged, and Psychiatric.
The designed activities consisted of 10 activities, and were centered around the
following activities: Growing of herbs, learning to take cuttings, planting cuttings,
planting seeds for outdoor garden, preparing a garden site, vegetable gardening,
weeding, watering, and planting flowering annuals.
The first objective of the study was to determine whether the response of
different categories of patients to specific horticulture activities differ, in order to
select the appropriate activity for each category. Forensic patients responded
positively to all ten activities and recorded a high level (70%) of task
accomplishment. Intellectually challenged patients had a medium level (46% to
69%) of task accomplishment for the majority of the activities. Psychiatric patients
had a high level (70%) for 50 percent of the activities and a medium level (46% to
69%) of task accomplishment for the remainder of the activities.
The second objective of the study was to evaluate the degree of effect of the
different horticulture activities on each category of patients, in order to determine
the relative importance of each activity in the programme in meeting the patients
needs.
The general findings are that the various categories responded differently to the
subsections as shown in the results. Individual patients within the categories also
differed in their response to various activities. The results of the study indicate
that certain horticultural activities have an impact on patient's deficiencies and
encourage their specific needs in the areas of a vocational/educational,
interpersonal/social, and responsibility/development
The study identified factors necessary for the design of a business plan for a
horticulturist to engage in a horticultural therapy programme under local
conditions. The business plan provides an outline to develop, market, and
implement a horticultural therapy service. The business plan helps identify
important ramifications of setting up a business and practicing as a contract
worker.
The research process has highlighted valuable aspects, which may be easily
incorporated into a future horticulture therapy programme. It has shown that
certain plant related activities, when successfully integrated into a rehabilitation
programme, will benefit participants. The findings and recommendations provide
guidelines for the formulation of a structured horticultural therapy programme. It
encourages the concept of utilizing gardening in a structured/organized manner
to benefit the well being of individuals. === TABEISA, SANTAM
|
|---|
