[Protocol of the animal assisted activity program at a university hospital]

Cynotherapy in cancer pain management: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES

This was a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and impact of a single dog-assisted therapy (cynotherapy) session in reducing pain and emotional distress in oncological outpatients compared with typical waiting room experience (control).

STUDY DESIGN

Quasi-experimental before-after controlled study.

SETTING

Chronic pain outpatient clinic of a tertiary cancer center.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult oncological patients able to consent and without medical contra-indication.

METHODS

All participants completed self-reported questionnaires including a numeric rating scale for pain and distress thermometer at admission and immediately before departure from the clinic.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients were enrolled over a ten-month study period, 41 in the cynotherapy group and 40 controls.Improvement was greater in cynotherapy than control group for pain (median difference score -1.0 versus 0.0, p = 0.037), distress levels (median -1.0 versus 0.0, p = 0.017), and depression (median -1.0 versus 0.0, p = 0.030). The proportion of patients with a clinically relevant improvement in pain (reduction ≥2 points) was approximately twofold in the cynotherapy group when compared to controls, although not statistically significant (39% versus 20%, OR = 2.53, 95% CI 0.86-8.02, p = 0.088).The mean satisfaction rate was 9.3/10 and no negative occurrences were reported.

CONCLUSION

A single session of dog-assisted therapy can provide immediate improvement in the perception of pain and distress for chronic cancer pain in an outpatient setting, with high satisfaction rates and no negative occurrences. This non-randomized pilot study points towards the clinical relevance of implementing cynotherapy at a cancer pain clinic and developing a larger scale, more directed study.

Risks associated with animal-assisted intervention programs: A literature review

The benefits of animal-assisted interventions (AAI), to utilize companion animals as an adjunctive treatment modality, is well-established and a burgeoning research field. However, few studies have evaluated the potential hazards of these programs, such as the potential for therapy animals to transfer hospital-associated pathogens between individuals and the hospital environment. Here we review the current literature on the possible risks of hospital-based AAI programs, including zoonotic pathogen transmission. We identified twenty-nine articles encompassing reviews of infection control guidelines and epidemiological studies on zoonotic pathogen prevalence in AAI. We observed substantial heterogeneity in infection control practices among hospital AAI programs. Few data confirmed pathogen transmission between therapy animals and patients. Given AAI's known benefits, we recommend that future research utilize a One Health framework to evaluate microbial dynamics among therapy animals, patients, and hospital environments. This framework may best promote safe practices to ensure the sustainability of these valuable AAI programs.

Dog-Assisted Therapy and Dental Anxiety: A Pilot Study

Simple Summary

The participation of animals, specifically dogs, in therapeutic activities has been demonstrated to improve individuals’ physical and mental health. However, few investigations have been carried out in the area of dentistry. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dog-assisted therapy for individuals with a history of anxiety related to dental visits. During preventative dental procedures (cleaning), a therapy dog accompanied the participant. After this intervention, people reported lower perceived discomfort at dental visits. The participation of therapy dogs in this area of health could help improve people’s experiences in dental offices.

Abstract

Animal-assisted therapy aimed at improving individuals’ mental or physical health has been widely reported. However, the data on how a therapy dog could help control anxiety during dental procedures is scarce. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of dog-assisted therapy on people with a history of dental anxiety while receiving preventive dental treatment. Twelve adults participated (women: n = 11 (91.7%) and men: n = 1 (8.3%), mean age = 31.25 years, D.E. = 5.78). The Corah Dental Anxiety Scale was applied, the patient’s mood was assessed with a Likert scale before and after receiving the dental treatment, and their blood pressure was recorded for each of the three stages of treatment. A therapy dog accompanied the participants during the dental procedure. The main results indicated that a decrease in discomfort was perceived during the intervention, and there was also an improvement in the patient’s evaluation of the experience. The results are based on the decrease in patients’ blood pressure when taken in the middle of the dental treatment.

Pediatric Oncology and Animal-Assisted Interventions: A Systematic Review

Animal-assisted interventions are part of the therapeutic plan in pediatric oncology. This is the first systematic review to summarize the literature and provide insights for new clinical approaches, policy, best practices, and standards. The results underline the potentially beneficial role for pediatric patients, parents, caregivers, and medical staff.

Relação humano-animal e leishmaniose: repercussões no cotidiano de indivíduos inseridos em região endêmica

Resumo No contexto das zoonoses, a premissa de que o cão é considerado pelos órgãos de saúde pública como um dos componentes da complexa cadeia de transmissão das leishmanioses (sendo recomendada sua eutanásia e, a partir de 2016, o tratamento com medicação específica se os cães forem diagnosticados com essa enfermidade), está permeada de conflitos, especialmente devido ao espaço que tais animais gradativamente ocupam na vida dos seres humanos, sendo até considerados como substitutos de filhos e constituindo o que vem sendo denominado de “família multiespécie”. Neste artigo analisamos a relação humano-animal no bairro de maior soroprevalência canina de leishmaniose em município endêmico, bem como as repercussões sociais percebidas pelos humanos envolvidos no processo. Por meio de entrevistas, identificamos os diversos benefícios decorrentes da convivência humano-animal, especialmente ao proporcionarem um alento à solidão e os impasses envolvidos na entrega do animal para eutanásia pelo serviço de controle de zoonoses.

Terapia assistida com cães em pediatria oncológica: percepção de pais e enfermeiros

RESUMO Objetivo: apreender a percepção de profissionais da equipe de enfermagem e responsáveis por crianças e adolescentes com câncer acerca da Terapia Assistida com Cães. Método: Estudo qualitativo baseado na técnica de Observação Participante, realizado junto a 16 participantes em um hospital de referência paracâncer infantil. Aplicou-se entrevista em profundidade e os dados foram interpretados com base na técnica de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: A prática é reconhecida como benéfica para os participantes, mas estes não compreendem o verdadeiro objetivo terapêutico e aplicações. Associam-na apenas a algo que distrai e diverte, sem, no entanto, perceber que ali ocorre um processo mais complexo, que envolve mudanças além das emocionais, que são percebidas mais facilmente. Conclusão: As percepções dos participantes reforçam recomendações que podem ser aplicadas no contexto hospitalar e evidencia que a terapia em questão pode tornar-se uma tecnologia efetiva para promoção da saúde de crianças e adolescentes com câncer.

Animal assisted intervention: A systematic review of benefits and risks

Introduction

The therapeutic use of animals has been debated for decades, and its use explored in a variety of settings and populations. However, there is no uniformity on naming these interventions. Evidence based knowledge is essential to implement effective strategies in hospital. This review focused on the use of animal programs for hospitalized patients, and considered the potential risks.

Methods

The following databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, PsychInfo, Ebsco Animals, PROQUEST, Web of Science, CINAHL, and MEDLINE, and PRISMA guidelines were adhered to.

Results

Out of 432 articles were identified 36 articles suitable for inclusion into the review. Data was heterogeneous in terms of age of patient, health issue, animals used and the length of interactions, which made comparison problematic. Studies on children, psychiatric and elderly patients were the most common. The animal-intervention programs suggested various benefits such as reducing stress, pain and anxiety. Other outcomes considered were changes in vital signs, and nutritional intake. Most studies used dogs, but other animals were effectively employed. The major risks outlined were allergies, infections and animal-related accidents. Zoonosis was a possible risk, as well as common infections as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. The implementation of simple hygiene protocols was effective at minimizing risk. The literature suggested that the benefits outweighed by far the risks.

Conclusion

The human relationship with animals can be useful and relatively safe for inpatients with various problems. Moreover, the implementation of security precautions and the careful selection of patients should minimize the risks, particularly those infection-related. Many aspects remain unclear, further studies are required.