Dogs Offering Support after Stroke (DOgSS) - Two Cycles of Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) Action Research at the Royal Adelaide Hospital's Stroke Unit
Date
2024
Authors
Hamilton-Bruce, M.A.
Young, J.O.
Hazel, S.J.
Koblar, S.A.
Milton, A.G.
Nottle, C.
McDowell, S.
Mani, B.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
Cerebrovascular Diseases, 2024, vol.53, iss.S1, pp.288-288
Statement of Responsibility
Monica Anne Hamilton-Bruce, Janette O Young, Susan J Hazel, Simon A Koblar, Austin G Milton, Carmel Nottle, Sonya McDowell, Ben Mani
Conference Name
Asia Pacific Stroke Conference Combined Australian and New Zealand Stroke Organisation Conference (25 Sep 2024 - 28 Sep 2024 : Adelaide, Australia)
Abstract
Background: In acute settings, illnesses, e.g., stroke, can have devastating emotional impacts on people, their close companions and care-givers; AAI has been reported as improving patients' mood, enhancing quality of life. Aims: To determine, using Action Research: whether RAH-Stroke Unit dog-visiting makes a difference to the expressed mood of patients, the impact on informal patient supports present, as well as staff, volunteers, the dog-handler and dog. Methods: Cycle-1 was reported in-part previously1. In Cycle-2 we followed our protocol2 with minor amendment, collecting wellbeing data from RAH-Stroke Unit patients before and after the dog-visits, also from their informal supports visiting at the time. RAH volunteers and Stroke Unit staff provided anonymous/identifiable comment. Wellbeing was assessed by Smiley Faces (McNemar test) and Likert mood scales (paired t-test). Results: Feedback from Cycle-1 informed amendment of our project description for Cycle-2, e.g., allowing all ward professionals to refer. Preliminary Cycle-2 participant data analysis (n=41) showed a significant positive effect of dog-visiting on patient mood for both tests (p<0.05), with eight visitors participating. Comments were positive, encouraging and supportive, e.g., Patient: ”I felt a lot happier after the dog visit.”; Visitor: “...I would really love to see resident doggies”; Anonymous: “Lovely experience. Brightened her day.”; Staff: “...It’s good to see their [patients’] smiles. It also boosts nurses mood...” and “I am all for having dogs regularly visit the stroke unit...”. Conclusion: Feedback from Cycle-1 helped shape Cycle-2, with expressed participant mood also improving. Our findings can be used to inform future research and service dog-visiting.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
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Description
Abstract only
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Rights
© 2024 S. Karger AG, Basel