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Abstract
Animals have long been part of the human experience, serving multiple purposes throughout history, from food to companionship. More recently, the therapeutic potential of animals in numerous clinical areas has been increasingly recognized, leading to more healthcare facilities providing animal-assisted therapy (AAT) to their patients. In this article, the author provides an overview of the history of AAT, outlines several benefits that are particularly relevant to geriatric patients, and describes how skilled nursing facilities can set up AAT programs, reviewing how to ensure proper animal selection and prevent zoonotic infections.
... Subsequently, AAT grew as a treatment for anxiety as well as a way to relax. [9] In colonial America, Benjamin Rush, a physician, and one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence recognized the positive effect of animals on mental health. He advocated for the use of animals, particularly dogs, in the treatment of patients with mental disorders. ...
... He advocated for the use of animals, particularly dogs, in the treatment of patients with mental disorders. [9] In the early 20 th century, Sigmund Freud often referred to as the "father of psychoanalysis" introduced his dog Joffi into his therapy sessions. He believed that the presence of a dog could help alleviate tension and serve as a therapeutic tool. ...
... He believed that the presence of a dog could help alleviate tension and serve as a therapeutic tool. [9] In the 1960s, child psychotherapist, Boris Levinson observed the beneficial effect of his dog Jingles during the therapy session with children he documented these experiences in his book "Pet-oriented Child Psychotherapy," highlighting the positive influence of animals on communication and emotional well-being. [10][11][12] The latter half of the 20 th century saw the establishment of an organization focused on AAT. ...
Dental anxiety refers to the negative emotional response of fear or avoiding dental care, which is exhibited by cognitive, physiological, and motor reactions when related to dental visits or dental treatment. Diverse approaches have been put forth to manage these adverse reactions during dental treatment, with the main emphasis on nonpharmacological and pharmacological management or altering the environment. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been suggested as an alternative to conventional methods that, according to prior research on human-animal interactions, has soothing benefits for individuals. Numerous articles have shown that activities involving pets help to lessen tension in dental practice. A trained animal is used in health care as a goal-oriented intervention to enhance interactions or lessen a patient’s fear and discomfort. AAT appointments are arranged for a set time and duration to include an animal that has completed temperament testing, intensive training, and certification, in contrast to animal-assisted activities. The companion animal, which is available for the company throughout the dentist appointment, can assist in removing barriers to communication and enabling the patient to build a secure and soothing bond, minimizing treatment-related stress. By conducting this review, we would like to emphasize on benefits and obstacles of AAT for behavior management in pediatric dental procedures.
... AATs occur across a wide range of settings, including outdoors, on farms and within therapeutic indoor spaces (Fine, 2010). AAT interventions can occur individually or within a group setting (Palley et al., 2010) and involve a wide variety of animals, including domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, and rabbits, farm animals such as horses, goats and cows, or marine animals such as dolphins (Ernst, 2014). ...
... The practice of using animals as a therapeutic medium continued through the 18th and 19th centuries, with programmes being implemented in a home for epileptics in Germany during the 1800s (Brodie & Biley, 1999), the Bethel Institute in Germany introducing farm-based and equestrian centre programmes in the 1860s (Grandgeorge & Hausberger, 2010). The practice was also seen in the work and writing of Florence Nightingale in the late 1800s after she observed a reduction in anxiety in adults and children within institutional mental health care; she wrote, in her 1859 book, Notes on Nursing, of the positive benefits of companionship and pleasure offered by animals to patients during the recovery process (Ernst, 2014;Nimer & Lundahl, 2007;Palley et al., 2010). ...
... Therapeutic interactions with animals continued into the 20th century with Sigmund Freud incorporating his dog, Jofi, into psychotherapy sessions after noting that Jofi altered his behaviours within the room according to the changes in a client's emotional state. In written works located decades after Freud's death, it was discovered that he utilised Jofi to facilitate communication between himself and his clients (Ernst, 2014). AATs spread to the United States with Boris Levinson, now considered to be the founding father of AATs, writing his seminal book, Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy, after incidentally observing a non-verbal child he was treating communicating with his dog, Jingles, in his absence. ...
INTRODUCTION: There is an undeniable connection between humans and animals, with the relationship between the two being well documented across the centuries of history and storytelling.METHODS: This article outlines a scoping review of the literature and research exploring the history, efficacy, and currency of animal assisted therapies (AATs) as they have developed in recent decades within human services and social work programmes.FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS: Archaeological research suggests a mutualistic relationship has existed between canines and humans dating back 140,000 years evolving to deepened connections between animals and behaviourally modern humans including 15,000 years of animal domestication. These connections have generated relationships where animals both work for and with humans, assuming diverse roles ranging from service animal to companion pet, from livestock to live entertainment, from symbolic idol to science experiment and, as demonstrated in this article, as co-therapist or therapeutic medium in psychotherapeutic, human services and social work practice processes.
... The discipline of mental health has provided the foundation for other diverse categories of animal-assisted interventions. In the 1930s, Dr. Sigmund Freud's Chow Chow, Jofi, joined him in psychotherapy sessions [2,3], where Freud found that Jofi helped facilitate sessions by lying beside non-anxious patients and moving away from tense or stressed patients [2,3]. Freud claimed that his patients would often disclose more by speaking through Jofi. ...
... The discipline of mental health has provided the foundation for other diverse categories of animal-assisted interventions. In the 1930s, Dr. Sigmund Freud's Chow Chow, Jofi, joined him in psychotherapy sessions [2,3], where Freud found that Jofi helped facilitate sessions by lying beside non-anxious patients and moving away from tense or stressed patients [2,3]. Freud claimed that his patients would often disclose more by speaking through Jofi. ...
... Levinson was also able to help his patients achieve therapeutic breakthroughs through their communication with Jingles. His documentation of his experiences in the book "Pet-Oriented Psychotherapy" later led to him being called the father of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) [2,4,6]. Since then, dogs have visited patients in hospitals [7,8] residents in nursing homes [9], and students in schools [10], and their popularity has expanded from mental health to include professional teams in physical [11], occupational [12][13][14], speech [15], recreational therapy [16] and other related disciplines [17]. ...
Health care and human service providers may include dogs in formal intervention settings to positively impact human physical, cognitive and psychosocial domains. Dogs working within this context are asked to cope with a multitude of variables including settings, populations, activities, and schedules. In this article, the authors highlight how both the preparation and operation of dogs within animal-assisted therapy (AAT) differs from less structured animal-assisted activities (AAA) and more exclusive assistance animal work; the authors highlight the gaps in our knowledge in this regard, and propose an ethically sound framework for pragmatic solutions. This framework also emphasizes the need for good dog welfare to safeguard all participants. If dogs are not properly matched to a job or handler, they may be subjected to unnecessary stress, anxiety, and miscommunication that can lead to disinterest in the work, overt problematic behavioral or health outcomes, or general unsuitability. Such issues can have catastrophic outcomes for the AAT. The authors propose standards for best practices for selection, humane-based preparation and training, and ongoing evaluation to ensure the health, welfare and well-being of dogs working in AAT, which will have concomitant benefits for clients and the professionalism of the field.
... 5,6 Even Sigmund Freud understood the human-animal bond, using his own dog, Jofi, in psychotherapy sessions, believing dogs had a special sense and could detect "a patient's level of tension by how close the dog stayed to the patient". 3,7,8 During the 1960s, Dr. Boris Levinson, a child psychologist, also incorporated his dog Jingles into his patients' treatment plans and wrote, "Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy," a book that discussed his experiences using pets in patient care. 3 Today, more and more, health care professionals are taking advantage of the positive interaction between humans and animals, adding pet therapy intervention to the patient's care plan. ...
... 3,7,8 During the 1960s, Dr. Boris Levinson, a child psychologist, also incorporated his dog Jingles into his patients' treatment plans and wrote, "Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy," a book that discussed his experiences using pets in patient care. 3 Today, more and more, health care professionals are taking advantage of the positive interaction between humans and animals, adding pet therapy intervention to the patient's care plan. ...
... Animal assisted activities (AAA) served as a non-medical intervention that involved specially trained volunteers and certified animal handlers and animals that interacted with patients in various settings. 3 The intervention did not require a specific treatment plan or credentialed ...
Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) is a non-medical intervention that has been shown to reduce anxiety among nursing home patients in various settings. However, AAA has not been tested among acute care hospitalized older adult patients ages 65 and older. This pilot study explored if a visit from a trained dog and its handler would decrease anxiety among hospitalized, older adult patients ages 65 and greater. The participants were recruited from medical surgical/oncology units, and the Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) 6-item short form was used to measure anxiety both pre- and post-interactions with the AAA-team. The data revealed that a one-time, 12–20-min visit, allowing the patients to pet and to interact with the dog, reduced (p = .000) the participants’ self-reported anxiety.
... In Ancient Egypt, many individuals were buried with their beloved pets so they could be together in the afterlife [2]. The therapeutic potential of animal contact was recognized in the 1800s when Florence Nightingale observed that pets could help reduce anxiety levels in institutionalized children and adults [3]. Today, the healing powers of animals are backed by substantial evidence, and they are utilized in various settings, including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, mental health units, physicians' offices, prisons, and businesses. ...
Background: Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a clinical approach aimed at building valuable human–animal relationships with both preventive and therapeutic goals. It is provided by a healthcare professional and involves animals (meeting certain criteria) as an integral part of the treatment process. This type of therapy has been shown to have multiple benefits in several areas, such as reducing anxiety in a variety of different groups of people. However, few studies have specifically investigated the benefits of AAT in reducing anxiety in children and adolescents. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively assess the evidence regarding the effectiveness of AAT in reducing anxiety among children and adolescents while also identifying research gaps in this field. Methods: Studies focusing on the relationship of these two variables were obtained from multiple databases (EBSCO, PubMed, and Web of Science). Results: AAT has grown and the literature demonstrates several benefits of this approach. However, few studies have demonstrated the benefits of AAT for reducing anxiety in children and adolescents. Conclusions: Most of these few studies show that this type of intervention can help reduce anxiety levels.
... The International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) also defined AAI as "a goal-oriented and structured intervention that intentionally includes or incorporates animals in health, education, and human services for therapeutic gains in humans and involves people with knowledge of the people and animals involved" [12]. AAT has produced positive outcomes in managing cardiovascular, psychological, and cognitive disorders in humans [13]. Even in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, personality disorders, depression, acute stress reactions, and bipolar affective disorders, several studies have provided evidence showing how useful AAT has been in their management [14,15]. ...
Background The role of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in complementary and alternative medicine is well acknowledged. AAT is widely patronized, in developed countries such as USA, Canada, and many European countries, but less so in developing countries in Africa including Ghana. For persons in developing African countries and elsewhere to benefit from AAT, healthcare professionals must be acquainted with it recommend it to their patients when necessary. This study therefore assessed the perspectives of clinical-level medical students on AAT. Method A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a cross-sectional study from 206 randomly selected clinical-level medical students of the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS (Version 26) and the results were presented in Tables and charts. The association between demographic variables and the knowledge and attitude of the students were determined using ANOVA, while bivariate Pearson's correlation was used to measure the relationships between continuous variables. Associations were considered significant when p-value < 0.05. Results The knowledge about AAT among the medical students was very poor (0.971 ± 2.407 over 10; 9.7%); almost all of them (≈ 99.0%) had very little or no exposure to AAT in school or at home. The attitude of the students was however averagely positive (3.845 ± 0.748 over 7; 54.9%), with a perceived health benefit of ATT score of 4.768 ± 1.002 (68.1%). The motivation of the students to acquire more knowledge and skills about AAT mostly through lectures and practical sessions (70.9%) was good (4.809 ± 1.221; 68.7%). Female students were significantly more knowledgeable about AAT than their male counterparts (1.5 versus 0.6; p-value = 0.006). No other sociodemographic characteristics had any significant association with knowledge, attitude, and perception of benefit variables. However, a significant positive relationship was found to exist between the students' knowledge, attitude and perception of animal-assisted therapy (r ≥ 0.236; p-value ≤ 0.001). Conclusion We conclude that the knowledge about AAT among medical students is inadequate and this is worrying given the beneficial complementary role of AAT in achieving SDG 3. Medical schools and their regulators in Ghana should incorporate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) lessons in their training curricula. For practising medical doctors, topics on CAM should be discussed during their Continuous Professional Development sessions. With better knowledge, physicians would possibly be more willing and confident in recommending this useful
... The International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) also defined AAI as "a goal-oriented and structured intervention that intentionally includes or incorporates animals in health, education, and human services for therapeutic gains in humans and involves people with knowledge of the people and animals involved" [12]. AAT has produced positive outcomes in managing cardiovascular, psychological, and cognitive disorders in humans [13]. Even in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, personality disorders, depression, acute stress reactions, and bipolar affective disorders, several studies have provided evidence showing how useful AAT has been in their management [14,15]. ...
Background
The role of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in complementary and alternative medicine is well acknowledged. AAT is widely patronized, in developed countries such as USA, Canada, and many European countries, but less so in developing countries in Africa including Ghana. For persons in developing African countries and elsewhere to benefit from AAT, healthcare professionals must be acquainted with it recommend it to their patients when necessary. This study therefore assessed the perspectives of clinical-level medical students on AAT.
Method
A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a cross-sectional study from 206 randomly selected clinical-level medical students of the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS (Version 26) and the results were presented in Tables and charts. The association between demographic variables and the knowledge and attitude of the students were determined using ANOVA, while bivariate Pearson’s correlation was used to measure the relationships between continuous variables. Associations were considered significant when p-value < 0.05.
Results
The knowledge about AAT among the medical students was very poor (0.971 ± 2.407 over 10; 9.7%); almost all of them (≈ 99.0%) had very little or no exposure to AAT in school or at home. The attitude of the students was however averagely positive (3.845 ± 0.748 over 7; 54.9%), with a perceived health benefit of ATT score of 4.768 ± 1.002 (68.1%). The motivation of the students to acquire more knowledge and skills about AAT mostly through lectures and practical sessions (70.9%) was good (4.809 ± 1.221; 68.7%). Female students were significantly more knowledgeable about AAT than their male counterparts (1.5 versus 0.6; p-value = 0.006). No other sociodemographic characteristics had any significant association with knowledge, attitude, and perception of benefit variables. However, a significant positive relationship was found to exist between the students’ knowledge, attitude and perception of animal-assisted therapy (r ≥ 0.236; p-value ≤ 0.001).
Conclusion
We conclude that the knowledge about AAT among medical students is inadequate and this is worrying given the beneficial complementary role of AAT in achieving SDG 3. Medical schools and their regulators in Ghana should incorporate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) lessons in their training curricula. For practising medical doctors, topics on CAM should be discussed during their Continuous Professional Development sessions. With better knowledge, physicians would possibly be more willing and confident in recommending this useful complementary and alternative medicine to patients who may seek other forms of therapy besides conventional medicine or which will augment the orthodox medication the patients may have been using to treat their conditions.
... The International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) also de ned AAI as "a goal-oriented and structured intervention that intentionally includes or incorporates animals in health, education, and human services for therapeutic gains in humans and involves people with knowledge of the people and animals involved" [12]. AAT's ability to positively affect the health outcome of these conditions has been well documented [13,14] as it has been found to help in the management of cardiovascular, psychological, and cognitive disorders in humans [15]. Even in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, personality disorders, depression, acute stress reactions, and bipolar affective disorders, AAT has been useful. ...
Background
The role of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in complementary and alternative medicine is well acknowledged. AAT is widely patronized, in developed countries such as USA, Canada, and many European countries, but less so in developing countries in Africa including Ghana. For persons in developing African countries and elsewhere to benefit from AAT, healthcare professionals must be acquainted with it to recommend it to their patients when necessary. This study therefore assessed the perspectives of clinical-level medical students on AAT.
Method
A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a cross-sectional study from 206 randomly selected clinical-level medical students of the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS (Version 26) and the results were presented in Tables and charts. The association between demographic variables and the knowledge and attitude of the students were determined using ANOVA, while bivariate Pearson’s correlation was used to measure the relationships between continuous variables. Associations are considered significant when p-value < 0.05.
Results
The knowledge about AAT among the medical students was very poor (0.971 ± 2.407 over 10; 9.7%); almost all of them (≈ 99.0%) had very little or no exposure to AAT in school or at home. The attitude of the students was however averagely positive (3.845 ± 0.748 over 7; 54.9%), with a perceived health benefit of ATT score of 4.768 ± 1.002 (68.1%). The motivation of the students to acquire more knowledge and skills about AAT mostly through lectures and practical sessions (70.9%) was good (4.809 ± 1.221; 68.7%). Female students were significantly more knowledgeable about AAT than their male counterparts (1.5 versus 0.6; p-value = 0.006). Although no other sociodemographic characteristics had any significant association with knowledge, attitude, and perception of benefit variables, a positive significant relationship existed between them.
Conclusion
We conclude that the knowledge about AAT among medical students is woefully inadequate and this is worrying given the beneficial complementary role of AAT in achieving SDG 3. Medical schools and healthcare regulators could incorporate alternative medicine in the training and continuous professional development of medical practitioners to improve their knowledge and practice of AAT.
... Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has its roots in the work of Freud, Levinson, and as far back as Florence Nightingale in the 1800s. 1 Such therapies were linked to improvements in patients' cardiovascular, psychological, and cognitive health, as well as outcomes of treatment and hospitalization. There is a clinical distinction between AAT and Animal Visitation. 2 Visitation is a short-term intervention, whereas AAT is a longer-term, scheduled process with a trained therapist. ...
... Dedicated AAT visitation programs exist in courts, schools, psychiatric treatment centers, corporate offices, hospitals and have been used at national disaster sites (Ernst, 2014). Although research describing AAT programs in health care institutions is limited, some evidence supports the use of dedicated AAT visitation programs within such settings. ...
Animal assisted therapy (AAT) programs are popular and there has been a proliferation of programs across settings. However, the research to support this intervention has not kept pace. This is particularly so for people who are hospitalized. This investigation aimed to explore the effects of the AAT dog visitation program on patients. A single group pre-post quasi-experimental design evaluated the effect of pet therapy on patients. Measures included salivary cortisol, anxiety, wellbeing, comfort, respiratory and heart rate. Analysis indicates a significant reduction in heart and respiratory rates p < .01 and level of anxiety p < .000 with improved levels of comfort and well-being p < .000. The salivary cortisol result was non-significant p = .623. This ATT dog program resulted in reduced anxiety levels and decreased heart and respiratory rates while improving subjective measures of comfort and wellbeing.
... Dog-assisted interventions (DAIs) are one of the most common forms of AAI, mainly due to dogs' well-established emotional connections with human beings and receptiveness to behavioural training (Wells, 2009). Despite its initial evidence base (Ernst, 2014), the impact of DAI on older adults in RLTCF is not well understood. Currently, most reviews rely on results from different types of AAIs, and with substantial heterogeneity across inclusions of populations. ...
Objective
To comprehensively review studies on dog‐assisted interventions (DAIs) among older people in residential long‐term care facilities (RLTCFs) and to provide an overview of their interventions, outcomes and methodological quality.
Method
We searched 18 electronic databases to identify English articles (published January 2000–December 2019) reporting on well‐defined DAIs targeting older adults (≥65 years) in RLTCF. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Descriptive statistics were produced for quantitative studies, with key themes identified among qualitative studies. Where possible, estimates were pooled from randomised controlled trials using random effects meta‐analyses.
Results
Forty‐three relevant studies (39 quantitative; 4 qualitative) were identified. The majority of quantitative studies were assessed as low‐quality according to the MMAT criteria (n = 26, 67%). Almost half of the quantitative studies (n = 18, 46%) found no significant changes over time or between groups across outcomes measured. The most salient intervention effects included improved social functioning (n = 10), reduced depressive symptoms (n = 6) and loneliness (n = 5). A random‐effects meta‐analysis revealed a medium effect in favour of DAT on reducing depressive or loneliness symptoms (pooled SMD: 0.66, 95%CI 0.21–1.11; I² = 50.5; five trials), relative to treatment as usual. However, compared to treatment as usual, no overall effect of DAI on activities of daily living was detected (p = .737). Key themes from qualitative studies included (a) animals as effective transitional objects, (b) the therapeutic value of pets and (c) the significance of the care environment and stakeholders in facilitating DAI.
Implications for practice
The findings of this review indicate that while DAI has value for older people in RLTCF, challenges remain in accurately measuring its impact to provide a stronger evidence‐base. Standardisation of DAI service design, delivery and evaluation is required for future research and practice in providing holistic care for older adults.
... Research on EAAT models has shown a significant reduction in stress symptoms, symptoms secondary to trauma, and a significant increase in mindfulness skill use among individuals experiencing posttraumatic stress [14][15][16]. EAAT has shown promise as an approach that may have a positive impact on many demographics. Further research into its use with populations who experience sustained stress, such as medical students, can provide new insight into opportunities to impact outcomes for these populations [9,11,17,18]. ...
This study examined the use of an equine-assisted brief course module on stress and depression among medical students (n = 28), a demographic known to experience high pressure. Evidence supports that animal-assisted therapies can lead to the improvement of health and quality of life, particularly in terms of cognitive, psychological, and physical benefits. This study used the seven-session Kane Medicine and Horsemanship program; students completed pre- and post-measures one week before and after the course. Participation in the course significantly reduced perceived stress (p: 0.001), depression (p: <0.001), stress severity (p: 0.014), and stress frequency (p: 0.001) among medical students. This approach should be further investigated as an option for improving well-being among medical students.
... T he term 'human-animal bond' refers to the connection that people and animals experience, which is considered to be mutually beneficial and to enhance health and well-being. 1 This two-way relationship (which some consider links to Bowlby's attachment theory) 2,3 has led to the introduction of animals being used in therapeutic roles such as animal-assisted interventions (AAI, the focus of this review) and service animals. 4 Animal-assisted interventions refers to the ''utilization of various species of animals in diverse manners beneficial to humans'' 5para4 and are often further grouped into animalassisted therapies (AAT), animal-assisted activities (AAA) and animal-assisted education (AAE) (see Table 1 for explanation of terms). ...
Objective:
To synthesize and integrate the best available evidence on the experiences and effectiveness of canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) on the health and well-being of older people residing in long-term care.
Introduction:
Canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) are commonly used as an adjunct therapy to enhance health and well-being and are often implemented in long-term care facilities. The number of studies undertaken in this area has increased substantially over the last five years; therefore, an update of two previous systematic reviews is warranted.
Inclusion criteria:
This review will consider older people who reside in long-term care facilities and who receive CAIs. For the quantitative component, CAIs will be compared to usual care, alternative therapeutic interventions or no interventions, and outcomes will be grouped under the following headings: biological, psychological and social. For the qualitative component, the experiences of older people receiving CAIs, as well as the views of people directly or indirectly involved in delivering CAIs, will be explored. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies published from 2009 to the present will be considered.
Methods:
A search of 10 bibliographic databases and other various resources for published and unpublished English language studies will be undertaken. Study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction and data synthesis will be undertaken following the segregated JBI approach to mixed methods reviews.
Systematic review registration number:
PROSPERO XXXXX.
... Interest from the NIH aided in the movement to legitimize the field through scientific research [2]. It was around this time that Pet Partners (formerly called The Delta Society) developed AAT registration programs for therapy animals and handlers [3], and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) initiated the Human-Animal Bond Task Force [4]. In 2006, representatives from Japan, Germany, Luxemburg, and Switzerland created the International Society for Animal-Assisted Therapy, naming quality control, professional recognition, and continuing education of AAT as its primary goals [5]. ...
Purpose of review:
The purpose of the present review was threefold: to address the current state of Animal-Assisted Interactions (AAI) within the military; to summarize recent literature (within the past three years) in the field of AAI; and to discuss trends in AAI research since 2014.
Recent findings:
With regard to AAI within the military, several canine interaction programs have been utilized to assist service members in coping with various issues. Therapy dogs have been deployed with Combat-Operational Stress Control units; they have been integrated into medical clinics and behavioral health treatment programs in garrison; and policy has been developed to address the use of therapy animals in military treatment facilities. General research in AAI has demonstrated efficacy for certain presenting issues (stress management, trauma, autism spectrum disorder) and specific populations (children, the elderly, acute care patients). Overall trends in research include calls for increased consideration for animal welfare in AAI and increased rigor in research methodology. Current research supports the structured use of therapy dogs in the treatment of various disorders and with specific populations, including military service members and veterans; however, the need for additional research with rigorous methodology remains.
Hasta bakımında kullanılan rutin tedavilerin yanında destekleyici uygulamaları dahil etmek, biyopsikososyal yönden tam bir iyilik halinin kazanılması ve korunmasına yardımcı olacaktır. Bunu sağlamak adına bireylerin üzerindeki hastalık etkilerini en aza indirmek ve yaşam standartlarını optimum seviyeye çıkarmak için rehabilitasyon programları geliştirilmelidir. Rehabilitasyon programlarının istenilen amaçlara ulaşabilmesi için destek alınan uygulamalardan biri de hayvan destekli uygulamalardır. Hayvan destekli uygulamanın yaygın gelişimsel bozukluklar, davranış bozukluğu, anksiyete, yalnızlık duygusu, ajitasyon, ağrı, stres ve depresyon, şizofreni, demans, Alzheimer gibi ruhsal semptom ve hastalıklarda ve kanser, AIDS, afazi, kardiyovasküler hastalıklar, diyabet, solunum sistemi hastalıkları, inme gibi fiziksel hastalıklarda hastalık semptomlarını hafifletmek ve yaşam kalitesini artırmada olumlu etkileri olduğu belirtilmiştir. Literatür incelendiğinde hayvan destekli uygulamalarla ilgili çalışmaların yurt dışında yaygın olduğu ancak ülkemizde yok denecek kadar az olduğu bildirilmektedir. Hemşirelik girişimi olarak hayvan destekli uygulamalara yönelik çalışmaların artırılmasına ihtiyaç vardır. Bu derlemenin amacı sağlığın geliştirilmesinde hayvan destekli uygulamaların rolünü literatür eşliğinde incelemektir.
This chapter discusses the history of the relationship between people and animals. A discussion of the evolution of animal-assisted interventions includes early interventions by famous historical figures such as Florence Nightingale and Sigmund Freud. The chapter concludes with current research that is being conducted in HAB.
Background
For older adults (≥65 years old), hospitalization can be a stressful and anxiety- provoking event. Due to physiological changes in this population that make pharmacological therapy to manage anxiety challenging, use of alternative therapies, such as animal-assisted activities (AAA), could prove beneficial.
Aim
The purpose of this study was to determine if an AAA visit from a registered human-animal team during hospitalization would reduce perceived anxiety for older adults.
Design
A multicenter, interventional, comparative, pre-post design was used.
Methods
Eligible participants completed a demographic questionnaire and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory 6-item short form (STAI-6) survey prior to the AAA visit. AAA visits included interaction between the human-animal team and the participant at the bedside. At the conclusion of the visit, participants again completed the STAI-6. Demographic variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative analyses were performed using non-parametric tests to examine differences in pre-post STAI-6 scores.
Results
Participants (n = 141) had a median age of 75 years. The pre-visit median anxiety score was 14 (interquartile range [IQR] 10, 17), corresponding to mild baseline anxiety. The post-visit median anxiety score decreased significantly to 10 (IQR 7, 13) (p < 0.001). Weak associations were observed for gender (p = 0.025, r = 0.0189), and dog ownership (p = 0.026, r = 0.188).
Conclusions
AAA significantly decreased anxiety in older adults with mild anxiety during inpatient hospitalization. This non-pharmacological intervention can be considered as an alternative intervention for anxiety in this population.
PurposeChildren are often afraid to visit a dentist. Dental anxiety is a worldwide issue and a barrier to successful treatment outcome. Pet therapy, especially through dogs, has been demonstrated to be beneficial in reducing anxiety. In today’s generation, where dopamine is prevalent, attention is hijacked, and children are tethered to screens—this research on animal-assisted therapy outlines the impact on children undergoing simple dental procedures, and to evaluate its use in long-term behavior management, and child and parental acceptance of this technique.Methods
One hundred and two children between five and 10 years of age and requiring simple dental procedures were selected randomly and divided into two groups. In Group A, dental treatment was carried out in the presence of a therapy dog, and in Group B (the control group), dental treatment was carried out in a regular dental setup. Anxiety levels were evaluated by pulse rate and anxiety rating scale. Prior to exiting the room, the parents were asked to rate the child’s interaction with therapy dogs.ResultsAccording to an independent t test, reduction in anxiety was highly significant (p < 0.001).Conclusion
Animal-assisted therapy is an effective behavior management strategy.
Humans and companion animals share a long, increasingly co-reliant history that continues to flourish today, yet only within the past century have we begun to fully appreciate the beneficial and detrimental effects of our interaction with each other and the environment. As the growing pet population nuzzles its way into every aspect of our lives, from bedroom to business and beyond, more beneficial and adverse health outcomes can be expected within the human-pet-environment triad. This is particularly true, perhaps, for the pets, which are more reliant on people for their welfare than vice versa. Psychological, social, and physical health benefits to people and, to a much lesser extent, companion animals have been scientifically documented, both within and outside the home. Such benefits are being leveraged in various, now ubiquitous programs to the advantage of people primarily (e.g., animal-assisted activities and interventions) or both people and pets (e.g., dog-walking or prisoner dog-training programs). Shared threats consist of injury (intentional or accidental), zoonoses (including antimicrobial-resistant infections), foodborne disease, chronic disease such as obesity, and various environmental hazards, including natural disasters. Most of these threats are avoidable or can be mitigated through commonsense practices and education, particularly if both owner and pet are healthy, allowing for maximal enhancement and longevity of the human-animal bond.
Animal-Assisted therapy (AAT) and animal-Assisted activities (AAA) are different dimensions in the field of human-Animal interaction that incorporate various species of animals in diverse manners to benefit humans. Research shows physiologic and psychological benefits of AAT/AAA but is limited in the area of critical care. Current guidelines discourage the use of AAT/AAA in CCUs because of infection control concerns. However, these concerns can be addressed with the right policies & copy:
Context:
Human-animal interaction (HAI) is widely used as a method of reducing psychological distress. However, research findings in support of HAI have not kept pace with the widespread prevalence in practice.
Objective:
I review and synthesize the quantitative evidence for the influence of HAI on psychological distress and outline future directions for research.
Results:
The evidence suggests that HAI has a small-to-medium effect on distress but does not clarify whether animals account for the treatment effects. Research also has not determined whether positive effects observed in circumscribed HAI programs extend to companion animal ownership.
Conclusion:
HAI research needs to address methodological limitations and expand the focus beyond treatment outcome studies. By increasing our understanding of the processes through which HAI reduces distress, the circumstances under which it is most effective at doing so, and the influence HAI has on the animals, we can enhance the impact of HAI.
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