Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nursing
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
±Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a goal directed therapy in which animals, specifically dogs, are utilized in order to reach a variety of patient-oriented goals and outcomes. Research has shown that AAT is beneficial in aiding a patient in achieving both their emotional and physical goals or needs. Thus, evidence has shown that AAT is useful in the achievement of optimal patient outcomes. However, while evidence supports the notion that AAT would be beneficial if regularly implemented within a patient’s care, few facilities utilize this therapy on a semi-regular basis. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to further acknowledge the benefits of AAT while also acknowledging its potential cons and giving recommendations on how to avoid and/or remedy these cons. Furthermore, this project will also serve to provide recommendations to facilities on how they could best implement AAT within their patient specific care.
Fall Scholars Week 2022 Event
Senior Nursing Poster Session
The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy in a Nursing Care Facility
±Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a goal directed therapy in which animals, specifically dogs, are utilized in order to reach a variety of patient-oriented goals and outcomes. Research has shown that AAT is beneficial in aiding a patient in achieving both their emotional and physical goals or needs. Thus, evidence has shown that AAT is useful in the achievement of optimal patient outcomes. However, while evidence supports the notion that AAT would be beneficial if regularly implemented within a patient’s care, few facilities utilize this therapy on a semi-regular basis. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to further acknowledge the benefits of AAT while also acknowledging its potential cons and giving recommendations on how to avoid and/or remedy these cons. Furthermore, this project will also serve to provide recommendations to facilities on how they could best implement AAT within their patient specific care.