Dog‐assisted interventions and outcomes for older adults in residential long‐term care facilities: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Objective To comprehensively review studies on dog‐assisted interventions (DAIs) among older people in residential long‐term care facilities (RLTCFs) and to provide an overview of their interventions, outcomes and methodological quality. Method We searched 18 electronic databases to identify English articles (published January 2000–December 2019) reporting on well‐defined DAIs targeting older adults (≥65 years) in RLTCF. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Descriptive statistics were produced for quantitative studies, with key themes identified among qualitative studies. Where possible, estimates were pooled from randomised controlled trials using random effects meta‐analyses. Results Forty‐three relevant studies (39 quantitative; 4 qualitative) were identified. The majority of quantitative studies were assessed as low‐quality according to the MMAT criteria (n = 26, 67%). Almost half of the quantitative studies (n = 18, 46%) found no significant changes over time or between groups across outcomes measured. The most salient intervention effects included improved social functioning (n = 10), reduced depressive symptoms (n = 6) and loneliness (n = 5). A random‐effects meta‐analysis revealed a medium effect in favour of DAT on reducing depressive or loneliness symptoms (pooled SMD: 0.66, 95%CI 0.21–1.11; I2 = 50.5; five trials), relative to treatment as usual. However, compared to treatment as usual, no overall effect of DAI on activities of daily living was detected (p = .737). Key themes from qualitative studies included (a) animals as effective transitional objects, (b) the therapeutic value of pets and (c) the significance of the care environment and stakeholders in facilitating DAI. Implications for practice The findings of this review indicate that while DAI has value for older people in RLTCF, challenges remain in accurately measuring its impact to provide a stronger evidence‐base. Standardisation of DAI service design, delivery and evaluation is required for future research and practice in providing holistic care for older adults

Animals in schools A teacher's guide to the educational and therapeutic benefits

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Getting the Right Dog for the Right Job for Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI): Essential Understanding of Dog Behavior and Ethology for Those Working Within AAI

Animal-assisted activity (AAI) revolves around a complex and heterogeneous intervention in the form of the animal involved, whose performance might vary between and within subjects. In this chapter, we focus on the dog to illustrate and argue for all involved in AAI (the practitioner, handler, and client) to appreciate animal behavior and welfare to varying degrees, to maximize the potential of this work, minimize risk, and operate in an ethically sound way. Although many species may be engaged in AAI, we suggest there may be unique features of the dog that lend themselves particularly well to this type of work, but it is necessary to identify and select specific individuals on the basis of their personal characteristics for a given task. Of particular importance are the psychological and behavioral attributes that will create the optimal therapeutic relationship between the patient and dog for the particular work involved. We highlight the lack of good scientific data to support how this can be done, but lay out a framework for practitioners to consider. We also reflect on the risks involved in this work and propose some general principles for risk management related to the inclusion of dogs in AAI; this focuses on the need for dogs to be willing participants in the work to reduce the dog's stress and its potential impact, including the risk of aggressive behavior. Accordingly, in the final section we consider how our moral obligation toward dogs working in AAI complements best practice guidelines for how they should be managed and trained