Service user experiences of a 4-week self-guided nature intervention for people with Parkinson's disease displaying depressive symptoms: A pilot study for intervention development

Background

People with Parkinson's disease are at an increased risk of developing depression. Nature interventions may help to reduce depression. This paper explored the feasibility, acceptability and participant attitudes towards a self-guided nature intervention for people with Parkinson's disease experiencing depressive symptoms.

Methods

The 4-week nature intervention was developed based on the CBT technique ‘behavioural activation’. The intervention aimed to increase positive activities, and in particular time in nature, into a person with Parkinson's routine. Service users were involved in intervention development. Attendance, study completion, and satisfaction were determined to determine intervention acceptability and feasibility. Participants took part in exit interviews to understand experiences and attitudes towards the intervention. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Eleven people with Parkinson's disease who were experiencing depressive symptoms received the intervention. Two participants dropped out after 3 interventions sessions. The mean session satisfaction score was 8.86/10. Nine exit interviews were conducted. Three themes were discovered: 1) I was satisfied with the intervention; 2) The intervention helped my mental health; and 3) The perfect intervention would look like, which reflected suggestions for improvements to the intervention.

Conclusions

The nature intervention was feasible and acceptable and well received by people with Parkinson's disease.