SNHP | Senior Nursing Poster Session (Virtual)
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nursing
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Nursing
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Neely Chandler, MSN, RN
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation - Murray State Access only
Abstract/Description
Hospitals are known to be a place of healing, but for many individuals, hospitals can cause a great deal of stress. Patients may experience stress and anxiety due to their diagnosis and prognosis, or they may feel isolated or alone. Hospital staff may experience stress due to burnout, compassion fatigue, imbalanced patient ratios, and the life and death associated responsibilities that come with their job. In recent years, there have been many studies regarding stress management methods, but one method growing in popularity is the use of pet therapy in hospital and other facility settings. Various study methods including experimental, quasi-experimental, and qualitative have been examined to evaluate the benefits of pet therapy in the hospital setting for both patients and staff. Pet therapy has been shown to decrease levels of stress in patients and staff, as well as to decrease elevated heart and respiratory rates, decrease pain, and provide emotional support. Due to the many positive benefits offered, pet therapy programs would be an advantageous addition to available hospital services.
KEY WORDS
Stress, Stress management, Pets, Pet Therapy, Animal Therapy
Spring Scholars Week 2023 Event
Senior Nursing Poster Session
The Benefits of Pet Therapy in the Hospital
Hospitals are known to be a place of healing, but for many individuals, hospitals can cause a great deal of stress. Patients may experience stress and anxiety due to their diagnosis and prognosis, or they may feel isolated or alone. Hospital staff may experience stress due to burnout, compassion fatigue, imbalanced patient ratios, and the life and death associated responsibilities that come with their job. In recent years, there have been many studies regarding stress management methods, but one method growing in popularity is the use of pet therapy in hospital and other facility settings. Various study methods including experimental, quasi-experimental, and qualitative have been examined to evaluate the benefits of pet therapy in the hospital setting for both patients and staff. Pet therapy has been shown to decrease levels of stress in patients and staff, as well as to decrease elevated heart and respiratory rates, decrease pain, and provide emotional support. Due to the many positive benefits offered, pet therapy programs would be an advantageous addition to available hospital services.
KEY WORDS
Stress, Stress management, Pets, Pet Therapy, Animal Therapy