Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen
Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen
Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen
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complicate the interpretation of the subjective changes in QoL (McDowell,<br />
2006).<br />
When QoL is conceptualized properly, it is very suitable for use in<br />
connection with green care enabling different dimensions of outcomes to be<br />
measured at the same time.<br />
Capability approach by Amartya Sen (Verkerk et al, 2001) may provide<br />
interesting elements for evaluating implementation and outcomes of green<br />
care. Verkerk et al (2001) show how the capability approach provides<br />
a theoretical basis and operationalisation for QoL research in situations<br />
in which standard measurements are not yet applicable. In many cases,<br />
the standard scales, although well-validated, do not cover the expected<br />
outcomes and are not sensitive enough.<br />
In this model, functioning refers to the basic or complex valuable things<br />
that a person can do or be. Functioning can generate happiness but also<br />
freedom to make choices. It is an essential aspect of QoL. Resources<br />
are used to achieve functioning. The capability of a person refers to the<br />
different combinations of functioning that a person can or cannot realise<br />
by using the available resources. Capability is dependent on personal<br />
characteristics and social arrangements emphasizing functional capacity<br />
rather than performance.<br />
The model provides a framework for evaluating green care interventions<br />
based not only on outcomes of functionings but also the effects on<br />
improving the capabilities of achieving HRQoL. The capability approach<br />
parallels in many ways with the person-environment-occupationperformance<br />
–model by Christiansen et al (2005).<br />
References<br />
Christiansen, C. H., Baum, C. M. and Bass-Haugen, J. (eds.) (2005) Occupational Therapy:<br />
Performance, Participation and Well-being, 3rd edition, Thorofare NJ: SLACK Incorporated.<br />
Lercher, P. (2003) ‘Which health outcomes should be measured in health related environmental quality<br />
of life studies?’ Landscape and Urban Planning, 65, 63-72.<br />
McDowell, I. (2006) Measuring Health. A Guide to Rating Scales and Questionnaires. 3rd Edition.<br />
Oxford: Oxford University Press.<br />
Meerberg, G. A. (1993) ‘Quality of life: A concept analysis’. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 18, 32-38.<br />
Rogerson, R. J. (1995) ‘Environmental and health-related quality of life: conceptual and methodological<br />
similarities’. Social Science and Medicine, 41, 1373-1382.<br />
92 <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Care</strong>: A <strong>Conceptual</strong> <strong>Framework</strong>