Acceptability and Feasibility of a Hospital-Based Herb and Vegetable Garden for Health Care Workers

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the acceptability and feasibility and explore the potential health impacts of a hospital-based herb and vegetable garden.

Methods: Mixed-method program evaluation assessed dietetic and food service staff health, well-being, and garden engagement. Surveys were administered at baseline and follow-up (6 months). Key informant interviews (n = 6) were conducted at 6 months to evaluate program feasibility.

Results: There was good acceptance and engagement with the garden, with 18 participants volunteering to maintain the garden. Key informant interviews identified workforce, leadership, and garden design engagement factors. Participants also noted several psychosocial benefits.

Conclusion and implications: A hospital-based garden for staff is feasible if programmatic improvements are addressed. More robust evaluations considering challenges with measuring key outcomes with survey methodology and extended periods are warranted.

Keywords: garden; health and well-being; health care; health promotion; program evaluation.