A Critical Reflection on Integrating Gardening Activities into Psychiatric Patient Care from The Nurses' Perspectives

Background: Gardening has multiple physical and mental health tangible benefits. However, gardening has never been fully implemented in healthcare settings where patient care is prioritized. Objective: This study aimed to explore how mental health nurses in Brunei perceive gardening activities as part of their patient care. Methods: In this descriptive qualitative study, thematic analysis of four focus group discussions (n= 22 nurses) in one psychiatric department in Brunei Darussalam was identified through purposive sampling. Findings: Three overarching themes arose from the analysis (1) Safety during gardening, (2) Maintaining the interest, (3) Coordinating the activity. Conclusion: The nurses in this study highlighted the significant benefits of gardening for patients, but they still consider that consultation and medication are the most critical aspects of patient care. However, gardening can still be interwoven into patient care as a complementary therapy offered to patients as part of their discharge plan and recovery process.