Karl Cristie F Figuracion1, Frances Marcus Lewis2. 1. Omics and Symptom Science Training Program, School of Nursing, Alvord Brain Tumor Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. 2. Department of Child, Family and Population Health Nursing, UW Medical Center Endowed Professor of Nursing Leadership, Affiliate Public Health Sciences Division and Member, Clinical Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The concept analysis of environmental enrichment aims to clarify the meaning of the term contributing to a shared understanding of its use in healthcare and future research studies. Environmental enrichment has implications in health promotion in children's development and healthy aging in the general population. METHODS: A literature search using PubMed and CINAHL databases on environmental enrichment was conducted to identify the uses of the term from various disciplines. The keywords are "environmental enrichment", "socialization", "physical activity", "cognitive stimulation", and "experience-dependent". Human studies from 2000 to 2020 were included in the search. RESULTS: Availability of green spaces, neighborhood safety, walkability to community centers, and accessibility of community resources are antecedents of environmental enrichment. Defining attributes are positive stimulation, interpersonal interaction, and physical engagement. The consequences of environmental enrichment are improved cognitive functioning in children, decline in memory impairment, and reduced risk of developing dementia in the elderly. CONCLUSION: Engaging and counseling patients, family members, and the community in adverse effects of a deprived environment and the benefits of an enriched environment is a vital tenet of the nursing discipline. Understanding the optimum amount of positive stimulation, interpersonal interaction duration, and frequency are needed in future research.
OBJECTIVES: The concept analysis of environmental enrichment aims to clarify the meaning of the term contributing to a shared understanding of its use in healthcare and future research studies. Environmental enrichment has implications in health promotion in children's development and healthy aging in the general population. METHODS: A literature search using PubMed and CINAHL databases on environmental enrichment was conducted to identify the uses of the term from various disciplines. The keywords are "environmental enrichment", "socialization", "physical activity", "cognitive stimulation", and "experience-dependent". Human studies from 2000 to 2020 were included in the search. RESULTS: Availability of green spaces, neighborhood safety, walkability to community centers, and accessibility of community resources are antecedents of environmental enrichment. Defining attributes are positive stimulation, interpersonal interaction, and physical engagement. The consequences of environmental enrichment are improved cognitive functioning in children, decline in memory impairment, and reduced risk of developing dementia in the elderly. CONCLUSION: Engaging and counseling patients, family members, and the community in adverse effects of a deprived environment and the benefits of an enriched environment is a vital tenet of the nursing discipline. Understanding the optimum amount of positive stimulation, interpersonal interaction duration, and frequency are needed in future research.
Authors: N Araújo; A Costa; L Lopes-Conceição; A Ferreira; F Carneiro; J Oliveira; I Braga; S Morais; L Pacheco-Figueiredo; L Ruano; V T Cruz; S Pereira; N Lunet Journal: ESMO Open Date: 2022-03-07