A new systematic literature review published in BMC Primary Care « Systematic literature review of economic studies on nature-based social prescribing for health improvement » sheds light on the health and economic impacts of Nature-Based Social Prescribing (NBSP), an innovative approach that connects people with nature to improve mental and physical well-being. The review, published by RECETAS research team in Austria UMIT Tirol, analyzed existing studies to assess the cost-effectiveness and broader benefits of NBSP programs.
Key Findings
- Favorable Economic Returns: Studies from the UK reported a Social Return on Investment (SROI) of 2.6 to 5.1 GBP for every 1 GBP invested* in NBSP, indicating substantial value for money.
- Long-Term Savings: One cost-benefit analysis estimated economic returns of £6,000 to £14,000 per person after one year, with potential savings of up to £8,600 to £24,500 per person over ten years
- Health Gains: A cost-utility analysis found that NBSP can achieve health improvements at a cost of £8,600 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, a benchmark often used to assess value in healthcare interventions.
While evidence on the health benefits of NBSP is growing, this review is among the first to systematically examine its economic impact. The findings suggest that NBSP not only enhances well-being but also offers significant cost savings for healthcare systems.
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