HERSTELBOERDERIJ 2.0
Customized activities in a green environment with peers
What
Within this project, oncology patients, i.e. people suffering from cancer, can perform meaningful and fun tasks on an agricultural or horticultural company.
This can be done both after acute medical treatment and during or after the rehabilitation process in the hospital. Some examples of the activities are feeding animals, sweeping the stables, emptying and filling the feeding troughs, harvesting fruit and vegetables, repotting plants, caring for trees, weeding... Each participant is personally assessed to determine the best option.
Goal
The first goal is to strengthen the possibilities of oncological patients in a different, challenging, and green environment. The participants also come into contact with new people and find support from each other. By changing the environment and strengthening their self-confidence, they can gradually participate in society again, which may eventually lead to resuming their work.
In addition, hospitals can offer an extra option to their patients within this project.
Thirdly, in this way, gardeners and farmers are involved in the care sector, which broadens their role and puts their possibilities in a new light.
Moreover, during the entire project, policy recommendations are being worked on to embed the concept of “Herstelboerderijen” in a legal framework.
Relevance
Oncological patients need peer contact during and after their rehabilitation or treatment trajectory in the hospital.
Research also shows that being active in a green environment with peers has a positive effect on quality of life, health, social well-being, emotional well-being, stress, and self-confidence.
Finally, this concept offers new opportunities for both hospitals and gardeners and farmers.
Our role
Mobilab & Care takes the lead in:
- the development of the concept
- starting up and coordinating the pilot project at one test site and four pilot companies
- the evaluation of the pilot project using questionnaires and interviews
- formulating policy recommendations
Researchers
Tessa Delien
Researcher and occupational therapist dedicated to promoting the inclusion and participation of individuals with disabilities. Everyone has the right to fully participate in our society.
Lieven De Maesschalck
Innovation manager for the team, end-user driven with the aim of creating impact at the intersection of technology and wellbeing.
Sofie Verhaegen
Proud to lead a passionate team conducting impactful research at the intersection of care, well-being and technology.
Partners
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