Incorporating Pets into Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation

Abstract

Incorporating animal assisted therapy in acute rehabilitation settings is described to obtain greater satisfaction for patients and staff and to facilitate reimbursement for rehabilitation settings.

Animal-Assisted Interactions to Alleviate Psychological Symptoms in Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation

“…However, limited evidence exists that specifically examines the benefits of AAI in the ICU. 10,11,21,25–26,30,32–33,35 The following case study demonstrates that AAI can be effectively used in the ICU and provides a clinical example of successful AAI with a mechanically ventilated patient.…”

“…15–19,21,25,26 AAI should be considered as an appropriate adjunctive treatment to alleviate distressing psychological symptoms while maintaining alertness and promoting social interaction and physical engagement. 7,10,11,30–32…”

“…Animals can be simply observed, touched, held, and petted, or more actively integrated into specific therapy activities such as brushing with different tools to exercise range of motion and fine motor coordination and tandem walking with the animal to encourage exercise. 30…”

“…Current literature indicates that AAI can improve reality orientation and attention span, eliminate the sense of isolation, reduce stress and anxiety, enhance communication, promote positive social interactions, and enhance overall quality of life. 10,11,30–32 In a study of 69 patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF), AAI via walking with a dog significantly reduced refusal rates of ambulation and increased the distance, or number of steps taken compared to a historical population of 537 HF patients. 33 Another study showed a small sample of participants with physical impairments and functional disabilities who worked with a mobility assistance dog significantly improved their performance on functional mobility tests.…”

“…Unfortunately, the highly technical, fast-paced ICU environment often limits meaningful psychological and physical connections for ICU patients, but the use of AAI in the ICU has the potential to engage patients, family members, and healthcare staff through this innovative, holistic approach to symptom management. 10,11,21,25,26,30,32,33,35…”