What role can forests play in the physical and emotional recovery of cancer patients? Gwangju, South Korea, is drawing attention as it embarks on a scientific study to verify the effects of forest healing in collaboration with medical institutions.
The Gwangju Forest Research Institute announced on October 26 that it has initiated a collaborative study with Hwasun National University Hospital to develop a customized forest healing program tailored to the characteristics and treatment processes of cancer patients, and to verify its healing effects.
The study aims to create a suitable forest environment for cancer patients using the 'Healing Forest' at Hwasun National University Hospital, providing a program that supports physical and psychological recovery.
Recently, the Forest Research Institute participated in a kickoff meeting for the 'Creation of a Customized Healing Forest for Cancer Patients' held at the Future Medical Innovation Center of Hwasun National University Hospital, discussing collaborative strategies with Hwasun County and the Department of Landscape Architecture at Chonnam National University.
Key topics at the meeting included the development of forest healing programs considering the treatment processes and physical characteristics of cancer patients, improvements to healing environments, and utilization of forest resources.
Notably, this research seeks to refine existing forest healing programs, which have been primarily aimed at the general public, to better suit the health conditions and needs of cancer patients.
Given that cancer patients may have varying physical activity levels and fatigue depending on their treatment stage and individual health status, it is crucial to ensure the safety of the program and objectively verify its effectiveness.
To this end, the Forest Research Institute plans to leverage its accumulated research capabilities and experience in operating forest healing programs to support the development and implementation of patient-centered programs.
Additionally, the institute will analyze the characteristics of trees and forest environmental factors related to healing effects, providing expert advice on vegetation management and improvements to the forest environment to ensure patients can safely and comfortably utilize the forest.
A significant aspect of this research is its intention to validate the effects of forest healing in conjunction with medical institutions, rather than treating it merely as a form of relaxation or leisure activity.
However, it is important to note that forest healing is not intended to treat cancer itself or replace medical treatment. The research aims to objectively assess the complementary effects on patients' physical and emotional recovery.
Based on the research findings, the Forest Research Institute plans to enhance patient-centered healing environments and explore the potential for developing programs that integrate healthcare and forest welfare.
This year, the Forest Research Institute has provided forest welfare services to various demographics, accumulating relevant operational experience.
In 2023, the forest healing program held 178 sessions with 1,675 participants, while forest interpretation sessions reached 148 with 2,144 attendees, and early childhood forest education had 187 sessions with 2,125 participants.
In total, 5944 individuals received forest welfare services across 513 sessions.
The institute is also expanding collaborations with local organizations.
The Forest Research Institute has signed memorandums of understanding with 24 local entities, including Korea Electric Power Corporation and Korea Land and Housing Corporation, to operate forest healing programs tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of each organization.
The collaboration with Hwasun National University Hospital is significant as it aims to broaden the application of forest welfare into the medical field and promote the creation of patient-centered healing environments.
Moving forward, a key challenge will be how objectively to verify the suitability, safety, and healing effects of the programs based on patients' health conditions.
Oh Deuk-sil, director of the Gwangju Forest Research Institute, stated, "Forests are valuable resources that aid not only physical health but also emotional stability and recovery. We will continue to strengthen collaborations with medical institutions and relevant local organizations to create a new healing model that integrates healthcare and forest welfare."
Meanwhile, the Gwangju Forest Research Institute operates forest healing, forest interpretation, and early childhood forest education services. This collaborative research aims to combine the expertise of medical institutions and the forest sector to develop healing programs and improve forest environments tailored to the characteristics of cancer patients.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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