Animal-Assisted TherapyDoes it Really Work?

MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

3rd largest public healthcare system in the nation

Comprised of 6 distinct hospitals with a total of 1900 beds

11,000+ employees

Level I Trauma Center – Adult and Pediatrics

1 Comprehensive & 2 Primary Stroke Centers

Memorial Cancer Institute

Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute

Memorial Manor Skilled Nursing

Memorial Home Health –Adults and Pediatrics

South Broward Community Health Services

Office of Human Research

In the Beginning….

• Volunteer Pet Therapy Program

• Meeting the needs of the patients

• Planetree Model

• A Vision…..

Memorial Healing Experience

• Holistic Approach to Healing• Healing Environment – sight/smell/feel• Therapy Dog Program• Waiting List• Can we do it?

History of Animal-Assisted Therapy

• York Retreat – England – 1792

• Florence Nightingale – 1860

• Boris Levinson – Child Psychology – 1962

Definition: goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process (Delta Society).

What Does the Research Say?

Odendaal Study – Neurochemicals (2003)• 18 people and 18 dogs• Measured neurochemicals associated with decreasing blood pressure

and increasing attention-seeking behaviors• Neurochemicals increased in both the humans and dogs following the

treatment sessions (endorphin, oxytocin, prolactin)• Stress hormones (cortisol) decreased in humans but not in the dogs

Macauley Study – Aphasia (2006)• 3 males with left hemisphere CVA and aphasia• Performed traditional Speech Therapy then AAT• Noted a decrease in the amount of effort when speaking to the dog

vs the clinician• More spontaneous speech with the dog• More emotion when speaking with the dog• Patients reported sessions with dogs more enjoyable and less

stressful

What Does the Research Say?

Sobo Study – Pain in Children (2006)• 25 children ages 5-18• Participants reported acute post-operative pain• 10–20 min Therapy dog visits performed• 0-10 pain scale and FACES scale used to measure pain• Physical pain decreased from 3.8 to 1.6 (P=0.001)• Emotional pain decreased from 3.9 to 1.2 (P<0.001)

Marcus Study – Adult Fibromyalgia (2012)• N=230 Therapy Dog visits vs 49 waiting room controls• Waiting before appointment with Therapy Dog for 12 mins• Control = Traditional waiting room with TV and magazines for 17 mins• 0-10 pain scale used• Mean pain scores decreased significantly from 7.1 to 6.0 with dog

(P<0.001)• No change in pain with control group (7.0 to 7.3)

What Does the CDC Say?

• Animals must be in good health• Updated immunizations• On prophylactic medications• Free of fleas and ticks• No sutures/open wounds or dermatologic lesions• No behavior or elimination control issues• No young animals (< 1 year) due to immature immune systems• Animal should be supervised at all times• Restrict access to kitchens, medication prep areas and clean

supplies storage• Handler should be in good health• AAT with an immunocompromised patient should be handled on

a case-by-case basis• No animals in isolation rooms

Most important preventative measure is handwashing!

What Does the CDC Say?

Summary:

• Although there is potential for cross-contamination of pathogens the risk is minimal if proper adherence to guidelines is followed

• Currently no reports have been published regarding infectious diseases originating from service/therapy dogs

*Centers for Disease Control, Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in healthcare facilities, 2003

ECAD

Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities• THE MISSION: to enable people with disabilities to gain greater

independence and mobility through the use of specially educated dogs.

Unique approach using at-risk youth Special breeding Combat Veterans Program Willing to place a dog in a facility Long-term relationship with Memorial

Why Golden Retrievers?

•Temperament•Intelligence•Personality•Strength and Resilience•Beauty and Grace•Soft Fur

Seven week old Golden Retriever fluff balls have been named after Rock Stars….

(Marshall) TuckerBlondieTina (Turner)(Janice) JoplinStevie (Nicks)!

The Training……

Placing a Dog in a Facility

• ECAD matches dog’s temperament to the needs of the facility

• Home Handlers

• Trained handlers only work with the dogs/patients

• Keeping the dogs healthy, well trained and groomed

• Community Events /Marketing

• Bark Lines LIZ

A Day in the Life of a Therapy Dog…

CONFIDENCE-BOOSTERS

TREATMENT BUDDIES

Compass – Speech Therapy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YNSVp0AwVo

Therapy for the Staff….

Halloween

Having Fun at Work……

St. Francis Day- Blessing of MHS Dogs

Off the Clock……….

A Special Patient

The Memorial Therapy Dog Team

QUESTIONS?