O cão como coterapeuta e os cuidados para a sua atuação em ambiente hospitalar

Este estudo teve por objetivo abordar a cinoterapia como modalidade terapêutica capaz de promover uma maior humanização do atendimento ao doente, atuando como ferramenta efetiva no tratamento do assistido, dando ênfase aos cuidados necessários para o emprego do cão no ambiente hospitalar. A humanização da saúde, hoje já bem discutida, apoia iniciativas que visem à transformação do ambiente hospitalar. Acredita-se que, através de pequenas ações, podemos amenizar a dor de muitos, contribuir para o sucesso dos tratamentos e para a diminuição do tempo de hospitalização. A Cinoterapia, apoiada por uma equipe multidisciplinar, tem assistido crianças e adultos hospitalizados por diferentes patologias, pacientes cardíacos, psiquiátricos, portadores de Alzheimer, Parkinson, AIDS, paralisia cerebral, acidente vascular cerebral, câncer entre outras. Mesmo diante da tendência mundial e do reconhecimento da importância da terapia, a implantação de projetos ainda tem sido dificultada pela carência de estudos que demonstrem o impacto do cão no ambiente hospitalar. O desconhecimento dos riscos inerentes à terapia, principalmente no que diz respeito à transmissão de doenças, assim como a falta de protocolos com normas específicas para a sua implantação, são alguns dos entraves para uma maior disseminação da técnica. The aim of this study was to approach Pet therapy as a therapeutic modality capable of promoting a greater humanization of patient care, acting as an effective tool in the treatment of the assisted, emphasizing the necessary care for the use of the dog in the hospital environment. The humanization of health, now well discussed, supports initiatives aimed at transforming the hospital environment. It is believed that, through small actions, we can ease the pain of many, contribute to the success of the treatments and decrease the length of hospitalization. Pet therapy, supported by a multidisciplinary team, has assisted children and adults hospitalized for different pathologies, cardiac patients, psychiatric patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, AIDS, cerebral palsy, stroke, cancer, among others. Even in the face of the worldwide trend and recognition of the importance of therapy, the implementation of projects has still been hampered by the lack of studies that demonstrate the impact of the dog in the hospital environment. The lack of knowledge about the risks inherent to the therapy, especially regarding the transmission of diseases, as well as the lack of protocols with specific norms for its implantation, are some of the obstacles for a greater dissemination of the technique.

Terapia assistida por cães na pediatria oncológica: uma revisão integrativa

A Terapia Assistida por Animais (TAA) consiste em um método terapêutico que utiliza o animal escolhido como recurso no tratamento, podendo ser um facilitador entre o profissional da saúde e o paciente. Dentre os benefícios que essa terapia apresenta, destaca-se a maior socialização que o animal promove, a amenização de sintomas depressivos e a promoção de um ambiente mais descontraído. Diante do exposto, o artigo visa analisar os benefícios da terapia assistida por cães como tratamento coadjuvante na pediatria oncológica, visto que crianças submetidas ao tratamento quimioterápico podem apresentar prejuízos psicológicos, motores e sociais. Foi realizada uma revisão Integrativa nas bases PubMed, BVS e CAPES, no período entre 2015 e 2020, utilizando Descritores em Ciências e Saúde (terapia assistida, cães, pediatria oncológica) e Medical Subject Headings (dog assisted therapy, oncology pediatric, dogs, pet therapy). Seis artigos foram incluídos na síntese. Crianças submetidas a terapia assistida por cães ficaram mais alegres, ativas, mais comunicativas e também apresentaram diminuição do estresse. Em suma, apesar de se tratar de um estudo pouco explorado, diversos benefícios foram comprovados para o paciente. É um facilitador do trabalho médico, provando-se como um grande aliado à terapia convencional e promovendo uma maior adesão ao tratamento.

The Impact of Robotic Companion Pets on Depression and Loneliness for Older Adults with Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: Differences in depression and loneliness, during the COVID-19 pandemic, for older adults with mild to moderate dementia living in residential care after interacting with a robotic companion dog or cat were explored. Experiences of family members and professional caregivers were also examined. Design: This study used a mixed research design with pre- and post-questionnaires on depression and loneliness. Method: Quantitative data exploring the impact of companion pets on depression and loneliness were collected from participants pre-intervention and at 3- and 6-week intervals. Qualitative data were collected during the 6-week study period, permitting researchers to explore the impact of robotic companion pets on participants, family members, and professional caregivers. Findings: Results indicated depression (χ2F(2) = 21.29, p < 0.001) and loneliness (χ2F(2) = 21.11, p < 0.001) improved. Moreover, participants were engaged with their companion pet, providing meaningful, activity and positive experiences. Conclusions: Robotic companion pet therapy, a holistic, nonpharmacologic animal-assisted therapy (AAT), changed the AAT landscape at the study site and provided an alternative option to live pet therapy during COVID-19. Participant interactions with their robotic companion pets enhanced their well-being and quality of life, especially during stringent COVID-19 restrictions and social isolation.

Pet-Assisted Therapy for Delirium and Agitation in Hospitalized Patients with Neurocognitive Impairment: A Review of Literature

Delirium leading to agitation is a common issue in elderly people and patients with underlying neurocognitive impairment. Despite use of medications to treat agitation, polypharmacy is a major concern and might lead to multiple side effects in this patient population. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate non-pharmacological methods that can provide solutions to the problem. The objective of this review was to evaluate the impact of pet-assisted therapy on elderly patients, with a major focus on agitation and delirium. For the purposes of this study, a scoping review was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials. We reviewed literature from 1980 to 2021. Out of the 31 studies reviewed, 14 commented on agitation with respect to pet-assisted interventions. Of these, eight studies (57%) reported a statistically significant reduction in agitation and/or delirium in patients who were exposed to pet therapy. Pet-assisted therapy can improve the standardized care in hospital-based settings for patients with neurocognitive impairment because of better companionship, reduced agitation and mood disorders, and better stability of hemodynamic status. These interventions can pave the way for better patient and hospital satisfaction.

Effects of Pet Therapy in Elderly Patients with Neurocognitive Disorders: A Brief Review

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) are disturbances highly related to age. This means that, with the increasing trend in life expectancy, there is also an increase in this diagnosis, although NCDs are not exclusively found in the population over 65 years old. Likely, they will increase in the coming years together with improvements in diagnosis. In addition to the use of medicines and rehabilitative techniques, pet therapy is also used. Pet therapy makes use of animals with therapeutic, rehabilitative, educational, and recreational purposes for people affected by physical, neuromotor, and psychiatric disorders. Pet therapy seems to be functional for increasing social and communication competencies, facilitating verbal and body language, increasing self-esteem, improving quality of life, and reducing anxiety/stress. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This study was based on scientific papers and publications obtained from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Moreover, other articles from further cross-references were included. Specific database research criteria were (a) articles published in 2018 or later, (b) samples containing only adults over 65 years old, (c) written in English or Italian, and (d) on the topic of animal-assisted intervention. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Uncertain results were obtained. Although a positive effect was found, the included articles were of insufficient methodological rigor. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Although many studies reported positive results, these could not be generalized because of the numerous biases present (e.g., small sample size, lack of methodological rigor, lack of protocol, etc.). Future studies, therefore, should seek to address the limitations found in the analyzed studies.

Patient & staff perceptions of animal-assisted therapy in psychiatric rehabilitation

AimsTo study patients' subjective experiences of having access to a therapy dog and to assess the staff perception of the impact of pet therapy. Hypothesis: pet therapy services are acceptable for rehabilitation patients.BackgroundAnimal-assisted therapy (AAT) is the supervised use of an animal in a therapeutic setting to help in the treatment of physical or psychological disorders in humans. The use of dogs in the context of AAT - ‘dog therapy’ (DT) - has been piloted in the context of stroke rehabilitation; schizophrenia in elderly patients; depression, loneliness and anxiety in elderly patients; Alzheimer's disease; symptom reduction in PTSD; cognitive impairment; and dementia. The impact of pet therapy in long term psychosis care has not been adequately assessed.MethodThis feasibility pilot study used questionnaires to assess patient (n = 12) and staff (n = 10) perceptions of dog therapy in an in-patient psychiatric rehabilitation setting. 24 patients on a rehabilitation ward with complex psychosis were offered the opportunity to interact with ‘Nugget,’ a corgi trained in the United States as a ‘therapy dog.’ A ‘patient questionnaire’ (PQ) and a ‘staff questionnaire’ (SQ) assessed the acceptability and self-rated benefits of the intervention.ResultAll patients (100%) rated highly on the enjoyment, anxiety, calmness, and comfort domains during the dog therapy, and expressed willingness to receive further sessions in the future. The SQ measured staff perceptions of patients’ engagement, enjoyment, comfort and emotional response to the therapy. 100% of staff rated highly on all questions and thought the interventions had recovery value. Engagement was one key factor noted in the feedback. There were no reported adverse reactions to the intervention.ConclusionOur preliminary results showed high acceptability and perceived value for Animal assisted therapy in a psychiatric rehabilitation setting. Given the impact of social isolation and need for connectedness, we recommend access to pet therapy where possible to be integrated into individual recovery programmes.

Service Animals and Pet Therapy in Schools: Synthesizing a Review of the Literature

As the academic and social-emotional needs of students in schools continue to increase, so too does the presence of dogs in educational spaces. This article aims to present an overview of past and present animal-assisted intervention practices in school settings. This comprehensive literature review examines the current state of research within this field of study. Data from 29 publications were selected according to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results highlight three categories in which the presence of dogs in schools have an impact: social-emotional, cognitive, and physiological. Challenges to program implementation include health risks, cultural context, and negative effects on the animal. Due to the lack of school-based research, more study is needed, especially in order to understand the effect of dogs on the social-emotional learning of students. Finally, the welfare and training of the animals involved should be taken into consideration, and regulations regarding handler and animal training should be enforced.