Prescription Gardening: A Pilot Group Medical Visit for Spanish-Speaking Patients With Chronic Conditions
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Publication Date
2025
Keywords
oregon, oaa 2025, diversity
Disciplines
Medical Education | Population Health
Abstract
Background Group medical visits (GMVs) have demonstrated benefits for patients with chronic conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and mental health disorders, by fostering peer support, improving health literacy, and enhancing patient engagement (Edelman et al., 2015; Riley et al., 2018). Community-based settings, such as gardens and teaching kitchens, offer additional advantages by promoting hands-on learning, stress reduction, and improved nutrition (Soga et al., 2017; Wolf & Zilverberg, 2018). However, Spanish-speaking patients often face barriers to accessing these services due to language limitations, lack of insurance coverage for certain providers (e.g., dietitians for obesity), and limited availability of bilingual healthcare professionals. This project aimed to assess patient satisfaction, build community, evaluate the financial feasibility of GMVs, and bridge gaps in care for Spanish-speaking patients by providing culturally and linguistically appropriate resources. Objectives • To evaluate the impact of garden-based group medical visits on patient satisfaction, health engagement, and perceived well-being. • To explore the financial and logistical feasibility of implementing GMVs as a sustainable model for primary care. • Assess interest in GMVs among bilingual patients with chronic conditions. • To assess potential collaborations with ancillary health services such as dietitians and community health workers. • Address healthcare gaps for Spanish-speaking patients by providing non-covered services. Methods: Setting: Community garden environment & community teaching kitchen Participants: Spanish-speaking patients with chronic conditions Structure: The GMV was 3 hours and was structured as a Level 3 billable visit with vitals collected at the beginning of the visit and group visits lead by a bilingual physician and a bilingual community health worker and conducted primarily in Spanish. Time was split between two locations the community garden and community kitchen. Participants engaged in multiple activities mindfulness exercises, group discussions on mental health, nutrition, and chronic disease, horticultural therapy, movement activities, and preparation of herbal and floral salves after harvesting. Data Collection: Patient testimonials, qualitative feedback, and provider observation Results • High patient satisfaction, with participants reporting increased confidence in managing chronic conditions and appreciation for culturally relevant care. • Positive community engagement, with participants expressing interest in ongoing GMVs. • Financial feasibility confirmed, as sessions could be billed similarly to in-clinic visits while incorporating services not typically covered by insurance (e.g., dietitian counseling for obesity). • Improved access to care, particularly for marginalized patients who otherwise would not qualify for certain services. • Initial group visit had projected to have 7 patients but due to heat wave patients were rescheduled. At the end of this, there were 3 participants that took part in this pilot group visit.
Specialty/Research Institute
Graduate Medical Education
Specialty/Research Institute
Population Health
