Animal-assisted activities in the intensive care unit: A scoping review

Elsevier

Available online 6 August 2022, 103304

Intensive and Critical Care NursingAbstractBackground

Animal-assisted activities have demonstrated benefits for patients and clinicians in acute care settings. However, concern exists regarding the use of animal-assisted activities in intensive care settings.

Aim

To synthesise research evidence on animal-assisted activities in intensive care units.

Methods

A scoping review of research literature published in English was undertaken. In May 2021, five databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and PSYCInfo) were systematically searched. Title, abstract and then full text screening was undertaken independently by the research team.

Results

Six primary research studies were identified from the 1190 records screened. All six studies were of a feasibility or observational study design, with five of the studies published in the last three years, highlighting the emerging evidence base for this practice. This scoping review synthesises the key characteristics of animal-assisted activities in intensive care units, including risk mitigation strategies. Strong satisfaction with and support for animal-assisted activities was reported by patients, family members and clinicians. However, studies reporting biophysical outcomes were inconclusive due to small sample sizes.

Conclusions

Evidence supporting animal-assisted activities in intensive care units remains largely anecdotal. Further research is required to ascertain the feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and effectiveness of animal-assisted activities for improving patient outcomes, and family members and intensive care clinicians’ wellness.

Keywords

Animal Assisted Therapy

Critical Care

Critical Care Nursing

Family members

Intensive Care

Scoping Review

View full text

Crown Copyright © 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

留言 (0)

沒有登入
gif