DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/36970227

Date of Award

Spring 5-10-2024

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Carolyn Podolski

Second Advisor

Kinsuk Maitra

Third Advisor

Morgan Brandt

Abstract

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a purposeful, planned, and organized therapeutic approach guided and executed by health, education, and human services professionals, with a primary aim of improving the physical, cognitive, behavioral, and socio-emotional well-being of the individual receiving the therapy (Silvia & Osório, 2018). In a study that concluded that AAT significantly improved children’s response to pain, decreased irritability, and decreased stress, Silvia and Osório (2018) detail how facility dogs have been utilized in a variety of units to decrease stress and increase positive sensory experiences with infants and children. While existing research emphasizes the positive impact of facility dogs and sensory-based interventions on infant stress and developmental milestones (Silva & Osório, 2018; Prado & Pinheiro, 2022), there is a gap in understanding the potential advantages of integrating a facility dog program within the NICU. A comprehensive literature review and insightful informal conversations with experts in the field were conducted to address this resource gap. The aim was to adapt an established facility dog program, currently operational in the pediatric intensive care units (PICU), cardiac intensive care units (CICU), and cardiac acute care step-down unit (CACU) to effectively meet the unique needs and challenges of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The product of this capstone project is an educational PowerPoint deck. This resource not only outlines suggested parameters and adaptations to the existing facility dog policy handout at CHOA, but also details facility dog handling techniques that address specific play positions conducive to infant developmental milestones. More importantly, this resource is designed for utilization by NICU staff, including rehabilitation staff, child life specialists, and nursing staff. AAT is an emerging therapeutic approach for addressing infant and children's developmental delays and aiding as an additional resource for emotional support to caregivers and staff members. This project has the potential to benefit caregivers in a variety of ways, such as creating a safe and calm environment for caregivers to talk and process emotions while also serving as a model to help caregivers slow down the environment around them and interact/bond with their babies in a novel, creative way. The integration of this program into Careforce Connections within the NICU department will promote staff review and integration into practice, ensuring that the benefits reach patients and caregivers. Ultimately, this educational PowerPoint will help to highlight CHOA's dedication to enhancing patient care through innovative and cost-effective initiatives, ultimately striving to provide the highest quality of care to those it serves.

File Upload Confirmation

1

Download

Share

COinS