Implementing nature walking groups in mental health services as a transdiagnostic approach to promote recovery: a study ​protocol for a non-randomised trial.

Background: Australia is currently facing substantial challenges due to the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders, which pose significant burden on the healthcare system. Nature-based interventions such as Nature Walking Groups (NWGs) have been identified as effective interventions for improving mental health outcomes. However, they are rarely provided in Australian mental health services. Therefore, the implementation and evaluation of NWGs within mental health services in Australia is required.

Method: This research will employ a mixed-method design based on the RE-AIM framework to assess the impact of NWGs on mental health. The study will be conducted in two Australian mental health services: in Orange and Wollongong, both located in New South Wales. Three groups of participants will be recruited: (1) walking group, or intervention (n = 40), (2) non-walking group, or control (n = 40), and (3) NWG facilitators (n = 10). A total of four NWGs over 12 months will be conducted in the two sites by the trained NWG facilitators. Intervention participants will participate in one NWG, receiving 1 h per week in nature for a continuous period of 12 weeks (twelve walks per participant), while still also receiving treatment as usual (TAU). On each walk, facilitators will draw participant attention to one of the natural features and guide participants through stress reduction and mindfulness activities, lasting 3 to 10 min in duration. The control group will continue to receive TAU. Data will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up, including salivary cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) tests. Ethnographic observations, semi-structured interviews, and member-checking post analysis will be employed.

Discussion: NWGs could open a new horizon in improving mental health outcomes, however, the impact and the benefits of a NWG specific to the community mental health setting is limited in Australian context. This trial will investigate the implementation and impact of walking and engaging with nature for participating consumers in two Australian community mental health services which will inform healthcare delivery.

Trial Registration: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR) registration number: ACTRN12624000733572, 14 June, 2024 with protocol V.2. The ANZCTR adheres to all items from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set.