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  4. Indoor Plants, Burnout Mitigation and the Wellness of Healthcare Workers

Indoor Plants, Burnout Mitigation and the Wellness of Healthcare Workers

File(s)
Green_cornell_0058O_11882.pdf (1.22 MB)
Supplemental_Material_copy.docx (50.19 KB)
Permanent Link(s)
https://doi.org/10.7298/xx4p-w407
https://hdl.handle.net/1813/114531
Collections
Cornell Theses and Dissertations
Author
Green, Carol
Abstract

Previous research has found that indoor plants may improve aspects of occupational wellness in office workers. Healthcare workers, particularly those working in primary care settings, report high rates of burnout. However, limited evidence exists regarding the effect of indoor plants on healthcare worker wellness or burnout. In this mixed-methods, randomized control pilot study, four primary care clinics were studied to evaluate the impact of indoor plants on burnout rates. Potted foliage plants were placed in treatment clinics and remained for two months. Surveys were administered to evaluate rates of burnout and nature connectedness of workers in treatment and control groups before, during, and at the end of the treatment period. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to elucidate participant perceptions of the role of indoor plants and nature exposure in occupational wellness. Quantitative data showed trends toward reduced burnout over time in the treatment group, particularly among providers and those with low nature relatedness. Interviews found that participants associated indoor plants and outdoor nature exposure with wellness indicators and burnout modifiers, including enhanced mood and physical wellbeing, cognitive restoration, mindfulness, and cohesive workspaces. The addition of indoor plants appeared to enhance workplace wellness and possibly reduce burnout among medical professionals in this study. Healthcare organizations should consider the use of indoor plants as valuable additions to the built environment of outpatient healthcare facilities to improve occupational wellness and reduce burnout among employees.

Description
63 pages
Supplemental file(s) description: Survey and interview guide content.
Date Issued
2023-08
Keywords
Burnout
•
Environmental psychology
•
Indoor plants
•
Occupational wellness
•
Primary care
Committee Chair
Rakow, Donald
Committee Member
Loebach, Janet
Degree Discipline
Horticulture
Degree Name
M.S., Horticulture
Degree Level
Master of Science
Type
dissertation or thesis
Link(s) to Catalog Record
https://newcatalog.library.cornell.edu/catalog/16219196

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