A Dog-assisted Therapy to Reduce Burnout Among Professionals Working in a School for Special Education

Effects of a Dog-assisted Therapy on Quality of Life, Work Engagement and Burnout Among Professionals Working in a School for Special Education

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of an 8-week program consisting of dog-assisted therapy on the work engagement, burnout, pain, and quality of life among professionals working in a School for Special Education. A total of 30 participants will be involved in the program, which will be comprised of eight 50-min sessions conducted once a week. The hypothesis of the researchers in this study is that this program will achieve a reduction in burnout levels in workers, as well as an improvement in engagement and quality of life.

Animal-assisted interventions have shown numerous benefits in different populations including children with cerebral palsy or autism spectrum disorder, people with chronic pain, older adults, or people in prison. Recently, different initiatives have been carried out focused on improving the work environment, especially among professionals in clinical settings and obtaining benefits in mood, as well as a reduction in the levels of stress and burnout of employees. In addition, it has also been observed that these animals in the workplace can produce an improvement in health, productivity or job satisfaction.

The presence of stress or anxiety among professionals working in Special Education Schools has been previously reported and could increase burnout and reduce the engagement and health-related quality of life of these workers.

Therefore, the current randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of an 8-week program consisting of dog-assisted therapy on the work engagement, burnout, pain, and quality of life among professionals working in a School for Special Education. A total of 30 participants will be involved in the program, which will be comprised of eight 50-min sessions conducted once a week. The hypothesis of the researchers is that this program will achieve a reduction in burnout levels in workers, as well as an improvement in engagement and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• be aged >18 years
• be workers in a School for Special Education
• work in direct contact with children (teachers, physiotherapists, etc.)

Exclusion Criteria:

• People with dog-allergy
• People with dog phobia
• People with a history of impulsive animal aggression