Animal Assisted Therapy Intervention for Hospitalized Patients in a Tertiary Care Center

Animal Assisted Therapy Intervention for Hospitalized Patients in a Tertiary Care Center: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the common symptoms leading to an Animal Assisted Therapy consult, and to measure its (AAT) influence on the symptoms and feelings of hospitalized patients.

Animal Assisted Therapy is being provided by the Caring Canines program and is formally available to patients by referrals. In this study, we would like to capture why patients are being referred and to measure the influence of AAT on the symptoms and feelings of patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

Inclusion Criteria (Patients):

• Patients admitted to St Mary's or Methodist Hospital and subsequently referred for AAT.
• Subjects undergoing Animal Assisted Therapy as part of their standard care.
• Patients 18-80 years of age.
• Patients who are able to read and answer pre and post intervention survey questionnaire and satisfaction survey.

Inclusion Criteria (Care Team Members):

• Care team members of the study participants.
• 18-80 years of age.
• Who are able to read and answer pre and post intervention survey questionnaire and satisfaction survey.

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion Criteria (Patients):

• Patients with diagnoses of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or dementia.
• Unable to give consent.
• Pregnant women (as verbalized by participant).

Exclusion Criteria (Care Team Members):

• Care team members of the study participants who do not want to participate.