A recently completed national evaluation of Health NZ’s Green Prescription (GRx) programme has highlighted the huge return on investment generated through the delivery of the programme across the country.
Green Prescription is a community-based health and wellness programme that aims to increase physical activity and improve the nutrition of adults aged 18 years and over (GRx Adult) and children/young people (by working with their families through GRx Active Families).
It was created to complement traditional health services in recognition of the need for a different approach to the prevention of obesity and physical inactivity-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their complications. Those diseases (also called chronic conditions or long-term conditions) include type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, three major sources of health system costs and loss of productivity in NZ.
It was highlighted that Regional Sports Trusts (RSTs) are ideally placed to deliver the programme as they are well connected to their communities.
Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti delivers GRx through their Kia Pakari te Ora programme for the region through partnerships with local providers, community events and co-designed plans focusing on nutrition and wellbeing needs. The aim of the programme is not only about increasing confidence and self-efficacy, people’s ability to manage their own health through physical activity and nutrition but providing a space for people to connect with others on similar journeys and sharing their stories. This programme stretches from Muriwai, across to Matawai, and as far as Wharekahika.
“The impacts of the GRx programme are huge” said Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti Chief Executive Stefan Pishief.
“Seeing the quality of life of participants improving due to an increase in physical activity and seeing a reduction in the use of health services including inpatient hospitalisations“
The evaluation estimated benefits of $5,023 for each participating adult and $2,191 for each participating young person. This translates to $128 million and $675,191 for the Adult GRx and Active Families programmes, respectively.
With Health NZ spending approximately $6.9 million for Regional Sport Trusts (RST) to deliver the programme, these estimates suggest a return on investment in the Adult GRx programme of at least $14 per dollar invested and nearly $8 per dollar invested in the Active Families programme.
A total of approximately 25,523 adults; 308 children and young people and 286 families participate and engage in an RST GRx programme annually.
