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Locher C, Petignat M, Wagner C, Hediger K, Roth B, Gaab J, Koechlin H. Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy for Pediatric Chronic Pain: Case Series of an Open Pilot Study to Test Initial Feasibility and Potential Efficacy. J Pain Res 2023; 16:1799-1811. [PMID: 37273273 PMCID: PMC10237188 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s394270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Chronic pain is a common complaint in children and adolescents, placing an enormous burden on individuals, their families, and the healthcare system. New innovative approaches for the treatment of pediatric chronic pain (PCP) are clearly warranted, as drop-out rates in intervention studies are high and it can be difficult to engage patients with PCP in therapy. Here, animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) might be promising, since there is preliminary evidence for the approach in adults with chronic pain, and AAIs are generally known to foster the therapeutic motivation of patients. To date, however, AAIs have not been examined in pediatric chronic pain. Methods The aim of this open pilot study was to examine the initial feasibility of recruitment and potential efficacy of an animal-assisted group psychotherapy (including horses, rabbits, chickens, goats, and a dog), providing case reports of three children with chronic pain. We applied a mixed-methods approach, including the conductance of semi-structured interviews and assessment of quantitative pre-post data with a focus on pain severity, avoidance behavior, pain acceptance, and ability to defocus from the pain. Results The three participating girls (age: 9-12 years) reported chronic pain in the head and abdomen. The process of recruitment turned out to be challenging. All three children reported reduced pain-related disability and pain-related distress, as well as an increased ability to accept pain and to defocus from the pain. The qualitative data revealed that patients and their parents had a positive attitude towards AAIs. Conclusion Our initial open pilot study is the first to investigate AAIs in the context of pediatric chronic pain. Notably, we had difficulties in the recruitment procedure, mostly due to the Covid-19 situation. Based on three case reports, we found some first indication that AAI approaches might be associated with symptom changes. Future randomized-control studies with larger sample sizes are clearly warranted. Clinicaltrialsgov Identifier NCT04171336.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosima Locher
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Milena Petignat
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cora Wagner
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karin Hediger
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Animal-Assisted Interventions, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Binia Roth
- Interdisciplinary Pain Consultation, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of Basel-Landschaft, Binningen, Switzerland
| | - Jens Gaab
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Helen Koechlin
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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De Melo MN, Pai P, Lam MOY, Maduranayagam SG, Ahluwalia K, Rashad MA, Popal S, Gunabalasingam J, Muralitharan M, Pradhan A, Ng JY. The Provision of Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine Information and Services: a Review of World Leading Oncology Hospital Websites. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:1363-1372. [PMID: 35639330 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-022-01296-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many cancer patients use complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) to improve their psychological and functional health. However, there is little known about the extent of CAIM information and services provided on oncology hospital websites. METHODS This study reviewed public-facing websites to determine the degree of CAIM information provided and services offered by the world's leading cancer hospitals in 2021; this ranking was informed by a large survey of medical professionals led by Newsweek and Statista. Nine authors extracted data from hospital websites individually and in triplicate, prior to meeting to revise data extractions. Data analysis was then performed by two authors to determine how many hospitals provided CAIM descriptions and offered CAIM services, and the extent of CAIM information provided. RESULTS A total of 131 hospitals were included in this study. Of the eligible hospitals, 50.38% (n = 66) provided a theoretical description of CAIM; 48.09% (n = 63) provided a description of one or more CAIM therapies; 63.36% (n = 83) offered one or more CAIM therapies to cancer patients. The most common therapies described were the same as the most common therapies offered. These therapies are massage, special foods and diets, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, and creative outlets. While CAIM therapies were commonly offered, information surrounding the benefits and side effects associated with these therapies varied. CONCLUSIONS Due to the lack of CAIM standardization worldwide, there is a need for increased CAIM information provision on hospital websites to better inform and empower patients to make well-informed decisions about their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie N De Melo
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Poojitha Pai
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Michelle O Y Lam
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Sharleen G Maduranayagam
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Kundan Ahluwalia
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Menat Alla Rashad
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Sahar Popal
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Janany Gunabalasingam
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Maiura Muralitharan
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Anushka Pradhan
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Jeremy Y Ng
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
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Wagner C, Gaab J, Locher C, Hediger K. Lack of Effects of the Presence of a Dog on Pain Perception in Healthy Participants-A Randomized Controlled Trial. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 2:714469. [PMID: 35295505 PMCID: PMC8915708 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.714469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of pain. Studies suggest that relationships with animals can have comparable qualities to relationships with humans and that this enables animals to provide social support. Further, the presence of an animal can strengthen the therapeutic alliance between patients and treatment providers. This suggests that the analgesic effects of AAI might be mediated by social support from an animal or by strengthening the alliance between the patient and the treatment provider. To test these assumptions, we examined the effects of the presence of a dog on experimentally induced pain in a pain assessment and a pain therapy context. Hundred thirty-two healthy participants were randomly assigned to the conditions “pain,” “pain + dog,” “pain + placebo,” or “pain + placebo + dog.” We collected baseline and posttreatment measurements of heat-pain tolerance and the heat-pain threshold and of the corresponding subjective ratings of heat-pain intensity and unpleasantness as well as of participants' perceptions of the study investigator. The primary outcome was heat-pain tolerance. The presence of the dog did not influence the primary outcome (“pain” vs. “pain + dog”: difference = 0.04, CI = −0.66 to 0.74, p = 0.905; “pain + placebo” vs. “pain + placebo + dog”: difference = 0.43, CI = −0.02 to 0.88, p = 0.059). Participants did also not perceive the study investigator to be more trustworthy in the presence of the dog (“pain” vs. “pain + dog”: difference = 0.10, CI = −0.67 to 0.87, p = 0.796; “pain + placebo” vs. “pain + placebo + dog”: difference = 0.11, CI = −0.43 to 0.64, p = 0.695). The results indicate that the mere presence of a dog does not contribute to pain reduction and that the analgesic effects of AAI that previous studies have found is not replicated in our study as AAI did not increase perceived social support and had no effect on the alliance between the participant and the treatment provider. We assume that the animal most likely needs to be an integrated and plausible part of the treatment rationale so that participants are able to form a treatment-response expectation toward AAI. Clinical Trial Registration: This study was preregistered as a clinical trial on www.clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT0389814).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora Wagner
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Gaab
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cosima Locher
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.,Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Karin Hediger
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Clinic for Neurorehabilitation and Paraplegiology, REHAB Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Human and Animal Health Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Psychology, Open University, Heerlen, Netherlands
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Emerging Role of Integrative Medicine in Hematologic Malignancies: a Literature Review and Update on Current Trends in Complementary Medical Practices in Hematologic Cancers. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2020; 14:328-336. [PMID: 31209644 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-019-00526-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review discusses the emerging role of integrative hematology. It reinforces the growing interest of CAM among patients, and the importance of provider knowledge and participation in discussions with patients about the subject. The main question asked in this review, "Is there evidence for the use of integrative medicine practices in the field of malignant hematology?" is answered by examining current research and providing relevant summaries. RECENT FINDINGS Data suggests that practices such as meditative movement, exercise, nutrition and supplements and touch therapy can be used for symptom alleviation, preventive measures, and novel treatment development. Integrative hematology is a needed part of complete patient care, and it is the role of providers to be knowledgeable and open to ensure patients are engaging in practices that are evidence-informed and safe. More studies are needed in the field in order to make concrete and robust recommendations.
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Waite TC, Hamilton L, O'Brien W. A meta-analysis of Animal Assisted Interventions targeting pain, anxiety and distress in medical settings. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018; 33:49-55. [PMID: 30396626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Research suggests Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) reduce negative outcomes in medical settings, but quantitative examinations of their effects on medical outcomes such as pain, anxiety, and distress are lacking. DESIGN A comprehensive literature search and meta-analysis were conducted in which 22 studies (13 child, 9 adult) met inclusion criteria. Both intervention versus control and intervention pre-post effect sizes were computed using a random effects model. RESULTS The overall intervention versus control effect size was large and significant (d = 1.65, 95% CI = 0.46-2.832). Similarly, the pre-post effect size was large and significant (d = 2.19, 95% CI = 0.74-3.64). CONCLUSIONS The results of this meta-analysis indicate that AAI can yield large effects across a number of medically relevant outcomes. There is, however, substantial methodological variation across studies and more randomized clinical trials with stronger methodological controls are needed to establish the effectiveness of AAI compared to other interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabitha C Waite
- Psychology Department, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA.
| | - Lindsay Hamilton
- Psychology Department, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA
| | - William O'Brien
- Psychology Department, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA
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Mangione L, Swengros D, Anderson JG. Mental Health Wellness and Biofield Therapies: An Integrative Review. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2017; 38:930-944. [PMID: 28968143 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2017.1364808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Biofield therapies such as Healing Touch and Reiki increase relaxation, decrease anxiety and stress, and improve mood. Understanding the efficacy of these therapies in terms of mental health wellness is important for nurses interested in complementary and integrative care. The goal of the present integrative review was to investigate the state of knowledge regarding biofield therapies and the impact on anxiety, mood, and mental health wellness. Electronic databases were searched for articles available in English and published from 2014 to 2016. Biofield therapies show safety and promise in reducing anxiety, improving mood, and cultivating mental health and wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joel G Anderson
- c University of Tennessee, College of Nursing , Knoxville , Tennessee , USA
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Rosenbaum M, Velde J. The Effects of Yoga, Massage, and Reiki on Patient Well-Being at a Cancer Resource Center. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2016; 20:E77-81. [DOI: 10.1188/16.cjon.e77-e81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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The effect of Reiki therapy on quality of life of patients with blood cancer: Results from a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Integr Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Development of a hospital reiki training program: training volunteers to provide reiki to patients, families, and staff in the acute care setting. Dimens Crit Care Nurs 2015; 33:15-21. [PMID: 24310710 DOI: 10.1097/dcc.0000000000000009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Creating a healing and healthy environment for patients, families, and staff is an ongoing challenge. As part of our hospital's Integrative Care Program, a Reiki Volunteer Program has helped to foster a caring and healing environment, providing a means for patients, family, and staff to reduce pain and anxiety and improve their ability to relax and be present. Because direct care providers manage multiple and competing needs at any given time, they may not be available to provide Reiki when it is needed. This program demonstrates that a volunteer-based program can successfully support nurses in meeting patient, family, and staff demand for Reiki services.
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Abstract
Integrative oncology uses non-pharmacological adjuncts to mainstream care to manage physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms experienced by cancer survivors. Depression, anxiety, fatigue and pain are among the common, often burdensome symptoms that can occur in clusters, deplete patient morale, interfere with treatment plans, and hamper recovery. Patients already seek various modalities on their own to address a broad range of problems. Legitimate complementary therapies offered at major cancer institutions improve quality of life, speed recovery, and optimize patient support. They also augment the benefits of psychiatric interventions, due to their ability to increase self-awareness and improve physical and psychological conditioning. Further, these integrated therapies provide lifelong tools and develop skills that patients use well after treatment to develop self-care regimens. The active referral of patients to integrative therapies achieves three important objectives: complementary care is received from therapists experienced in working with cancer patients, visits become part of the medical record, allowing treatment teams to guide individuals in maximizing benefit, and patients are diverted from useless or harmful 'alternatives.' We review the reciprocal physical and psychiatric benefits of exercise, mind-body practices, massage, acupuncture, and music therapy for cancer survivors, and suggest how their use can augment mainstream psychiatric interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barrie R Cassileth
- Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , New York , USA
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Marcus DA, Blazek-O'Neill B, Kopar JL. Symptom Reduction Identified After Offering Animal-Assisted Activity at a Cancer Infusion Center. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2013; 31:420-1. [PMID: 23728415 DOI: 10.1177/1049909113492373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dawn A. Marcus
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Betsy Blazek-O'Neill
- Department of Integrated Medicine, West Penn Allegheny Health System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Kopar
- Volunteer Services, West Penn Allegheny Health System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Townsend JS. Temari Reiki: A new hands-off approach to traditional Reiki. Int J Nurs Pract 2013; 19 Suppl 2:34-8. [DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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