[Integrating a "health auxiliary" dog into the hospital: the experience of the Institut Curie]. / Intégration d'un chien "auxiliaire de santé" à l'hôpital : l'expérience de l'Institut Curie.

Drop-in center offer time with animal-assisted therapy to encourage positive interactions with patients. Curie Institute has chosen to adopt a dog full-time as a "care assistant" to work with caregivers and cancer patients. In hospital, an animal requires rigorous organization in order to train the dog for its missions while guaranteeing the well-being of the animal and the safety of the patients. It is a fantastic but strict experience.

Impact of Facility Dog and Certified Child Life Specialist Dyad on Children's Pain and Anxiety During Needlestick Procedures in a Pediatric Hematology Oncology Clinic Setting.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric Hematology Oncology patients undergo frequent needlestick procedures, often leading to negative outcomes including pain and anxiety. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to minimize pediatric patient distress; however, its utilization by a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) to reduce patient distress has not been widely studied. METHODS: Pediatric patients receiving needlesticks in the Hematology Oncology Clinic were enrolled between March 2018 and May 2021. Patients who had scheduled visits when the facility dog was present were assigned to the intervention group. Patients were assigned to the control group if the facility dog was not present. The primary objective was to use the Children's Anxiety and Pain Scale to determine whether the CCLS and facility dog dyad minimized patient pain and anxiety during procedures. RESULTS: A total of 285 patients, 5 to 17 years of age, were enrolled. One hundred forty-three patients were assigned the intervention and received procedural support from the CCLS and facility dog; 142 patients were assigned the control group and received support from the CCLS only. Patient-reported pain scores were significantly lower among patients who received the intervention ( P =0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of a CCLS and facility dog dyad during painful needlestick procedures decreases patient-reported pain compared with utilization of CCLS support alone.

Robotic animal-assisted therapy as a complementary therapy in clinical practice: Exploring animal-assisted intervention professional perspectives.

BACKGROUND: and Purpose: Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a therapy that incorporates animals to improve the motor, social, behavioral, and/or cognitive functioning of participants. AAT has been shown to be a beneficial intervention for a wide range of populations. Although, researchers have suggested concerns in implementing AAT. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the perspectives of therapists who incorporate AAT into their programs and to explore benefits and ethical considerations within the field of AAT. This study also aims to seek possible implications for robotic animal-assisted therapy (RAAT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Professionals from the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP) were recruited, along with members from multiple AAT private and public Facebook groups. Participants completed an anonymous online semi-structured survey, exploring their experience with and perspectives on both AAT and RAAT. Fourteen participants' responses were analyzed using Dedoose software to identify common themes in the responses. RESULTS: The results of this study provide various perspectives from professionals in different settings on the benefits of AAT, concerns about AAT, and the implication for the utilization of RAAT. The data indicated that most of the participants have not incorporated RAAT into practice. However, many of the participants believed that RAAT can be an alternative or preparatory intervention when interaction with live animals is not possible. The data collected further contributes to an emerging niche setting.

Efeitos da terapia assistida com animais no manejo da dor: protocolo de revisão sistemática / Effects of assisted therapy with animals for pain management: systematic review protocol

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os ensaios clínicos randomizados existentes na literatura sobre os efeitos da terapia assistida com animais no manejo da dor, em pessoas com quadros álgicos, comparando-a ao tratamento convencional ou a outras intervenções não farmacológicas. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um protocolo de revisão sistemática reportado segundo o Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). O protocolo foi registrado na International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). A busca será realizada em bases de dados variadas, combinando os descritores 'Animal Assisted Therapy', 'Pain Management' e 'Controlled Clinical Trial' e suas variações. Serão incluídos apenas ensaios clínicos randomizados e o gerenciamento dos resultados se dará nos softwares EndNote e Rayyan. A ferramenta Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias 2 será utilizada para avaliação do risco de viés, e a ferramenta Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) será utilizada para avaliação da certeza de evidência. Se possível, a metanálise será realizada para determinar o efeito da terapia assistida com animais sobre a intensidade da dor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the existing randomized clinical trials in the literature on the effects of Animal Assisted Therapy on pain management in people with pain when compared to conventional treatment or other non-pharmacological interventions. METHOD: Systematic Review, reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). The protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). The search will be carried out in various sources of information, combining the descriptors 'Animal Assisted Therapy', 'Pain Management', and 'Controlled Clinical Trial' and their variations. Only randomized clinical trials will be included, and results will be managed in EndNote and Rayyan software. The assessment of bias risk will be carried out by the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias 2 tool, and the assessment of the certainty of evidence by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. If possible, a meta-analysis will be performed to determine the effect of Assisted Therapy with Animals on pain intensity.

Cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression: a map of Cochrane evidence relevant to rehabilitation for people with post COVID-19 condition.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, no evidence exists on specific treatments for post COVID-19 condition (PCC). However, rehabilitation interventions that are effective for similar symptoms in other health conditions could be applied to people with PCC. With this overview of systematic reviews with mapping, we aimed to describe the Cochrane evidence on rehabilitation interventions proposed for cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression in different health conditions that can be relevant for PCC. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We searched the last five years' Cochrane Systematic Review (CSRs) using the terms "cognitive impairment," "depressive disorder," "anxiety disorder," their synonyms and variants, and "rehabilitation" in the Cochrane Library. We extracted and summarized the available evidence using a map. We grouped the included CSRs for health conditions and interventions, indicating the effect and the quality of evidence. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We found 3596 CSRs published between 2016 and 2021, and we included 17 on cognitive impairment and 37 on anxiety and depression. For cognitive impairment, we found 7 CSRs on participants with stroke, 3 with cancer, 2 with Parkinson's disease, and one each for five other health conditions. Each intervention improved a different domain, and included exercises, cognitive and attention-specific training, and computerized cognition-based training (from very low to high-quality evidence). For anxiety and depression, we found 10 CSRs including participants with cancer, 8 with stroke, 3 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 2 or 1 each in 11 other health conditions. Exercise training, physical activity and yoga resulted effective in several pathologies (very low- to moderate-quality evidence). In specific diseases, we found effective acupuncture, animal-assisted therapy, aromatherapy, educational programs, home-based multidimensional survivorship programs, manual acupressure massage, memory rehabilitation, non-invasive brain stimulation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and telerehabilitation (very low- to moderate-quality evidence). CONCLUSIONS: These results are the first step of indirect evidence able to generate helpful hypotheses for clinical practice and future research. They served as the basis for the three recommendations on treatments for these PCC symptoms published in the current WHO Guidelines for clinical practice.

Race, Zoonoses and Animal Assisted Interventions in Pediatric Cancer.

Emerging evidence accumulates regarding the benefits of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) in facilitating pediatric cancer treatment and alleviating symptomatology through positive changes in the patients' emotional, mental, and even physical status. A major concern expressed by healthcare providers and parents in implementing AAIs in hospital settings is the transmission of disease from animals to patients. Immunocompromised children, such as pediatric cancer patients are at increased risk for pet-associated diseases. Furthermore, existing disparities among the racial and ethnic minority groups of pediatric cancer patients can potentially exacerbate their risk for zoonoses. This literature review highlights the most common human infections from therapy animals, connections to the race and ethnic background of pediatric oncology patients, as well as means of prevention. The discussion is limited to dogs, which are typically the most commonly used species in hospital-based animal-assisted therapy. The aim is to highlight specific preventive measures, precautions and recommendations that must be considered in hospitals' protocols and best practices, particularly given the plethora of benefits provided by AAI for pediatric cancer patients, staff and families.

The Impact of Robotic Companion Pets on Depression and Loneliness for Older Adults with Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose: Differences in depression and loneliness, during the COVID-19 pandemic, for older adults with mild to moderate dementia living in residential care after interacting with a robotic companion dog or cat were explored. Experiences of family members and professional caregivers were also examined. Design: This study used a mixed research design with pre- and post-questionnaires on depression and loneliness. Method: Quantitative data exploring the impact of companion pets on depression and loneliness were collected from participants pre-intervention and at 3- and 6-week intervals. Qualitative data were collected during the 6-week study period, permitting researchers to explore the impact of robotic companion pets on participants, family members, and professional caregivers. Findings: Results indicated depression (χ2F(2) = 21.29, p < 0.001) and loneliness (χ2F(2) = 21.11, p < 0.001) improved. Moreover, participants were engaged with their companion pet, providing meaningful, activity and positive experiences. Conclusions: Robotic companion pet therapy, a holistic, nonpharmacologic animal-assisted therapy (AAT), changed the AAT landscape at the study site and provided an alternative option to live pet therapy during COVID-19. Participant interactions with their robotic companion pets enhanced their well-being and quality of life, especially during stringent COVID-19 restrictions and social isolation.

Benefícios das Intervenções Assistidas por Animais para estudantes com alteração de linguagem verbal / Benefits of Animal Assisted Intervention for students with verbal language disorders / Los Beneficios de las Intervenciones Asistidas por Animales para estudiantes con trastornos del lenguaje verbal

Introdução: As Intervenções Assistidas por Animais- IAA- com a mediação de cães compreendem atividades com fins terapêuticos e/ou educacionais, nas quais o cachorro é o principal mediador. Objetivo: Apresentar e analisar os resultados parciais das atividades desenvolvidas em um Projeto de Pesquisa e de Extensão, realizado no Colégio de Aplicação da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina- CA/UFSC, evidenciando os benefícios das IAA com a mediação de cães, no processo de desenvolvimento e aprendizagem, sobretudo da linguagem verbal (fala, leitura e escrita) para os estudantes participantes. Método: Seguiu-se a abordagem qualitativa da pesquisa e realizou-se a Análise de Conteúdo¹ dos registros em diário de campo das atividades desenvolvidas. Resultados: São apresentados os resultados de três ações realizadas no projeto durante o primeiro semestre de 2019. A análise dessas atividades demonstrou que foram favorecidas as habilidades relacionadas à linguagem verbal dos estudantes. Conclusão: Considera-se que no decorrer do projeto, os participantes das IAA com a mediação de cães vêm demonstrando melhora nas aprendizagens, bem como aperfeiçoamento nas habilidades de fala, leitura e escrita.

Introduction: The Animal Assisted Intervention with the mediation of dogs comprises activities for therapeutic and / or educational purposes, in which the dog is the main mediator. Objective: To present and analyze the partial results of the activities developed in a Research and Extension Project, carried out at the Colégio de Aplicação da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina- CA/UFSC, showing the benefits of Animal Assisted Intervention with the mediation of dogs in the process of development and learning, especially of the verbal language (speaking, reading and writing) for participating students. Method: The qualitative research approach was followed and Content Analysis¹ was carried out on the records in the daily field of the activities developed. Results: The results of three actions carried out in the project during the first semester of 2019 are presented. The analysis of these activities showed that the students' verbal language skills were instigated. Conclusion: It is considered that during the project, the participants of Animal Assisted Intervention with the mediation of dogs have been showing improvement in learning, as well as improvement in speaking, reading and writing skills.

Introducción: Las intervenciones asistidas por animales con la mediación de perros comprende actividades con fines terapéuticos y / o educativos, en las que el perro es el principal mediador. Objetivo: Presentar y analizar los resultados parciales de las actividades desarrolladas en un Proyecto de Investigación y Extensión, realizado en el Colégio de Aplicação da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina- CA/UFSC, mostrando los beneficios de las intervenciones asistidas por animales con la mediación de perros en el proceso de desarrollo y aprendizaje, especialmente del lenguaje verbal (hablar, leer y escribir) para los estudiantes participantes. Método: Se siguió el enfoque de investigación cualitativa y se realizó el Análisis de Contenido Content de los registros en el campo diario de las actividades desarrolladas. Resultados: Se presentan los resultados de tres acciones llevadas a cabo en el proyecto durante el primer semestre de 2019. El análisis de estas actividades mostró que las habilidades del lenguaje verbal de los estudiantes fueron instigadas. Conclusión: Se considera que durante el proyecto, los participantes de las intervenciones asistidas por animales con la mediación de perros han ido mostrando una mejora en el aprendizaje, así como una mejora en las habilidades de expresión oral, lectura y escritura.

Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Hospitalized Children and Teenagers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PROBLEM: Psychological and symptom disturbances seriously affect hospitalized children's subjective experiences of hospitalization and their prognosis. We systematically reviewed the effects of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on pain, anxiety, depression, stress, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) in hospitalized children and teenagers. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using the English-language electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials, Science Direct, EBSCOhost, Open Grey and Google Scholar, and the Chinese databases CNKI, Sinomed, Vip, and WanFang. These databases were searched through July 15, 2020. SAMPLE: Eight studies, including four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four quasi-experimental studies were included, with a total of 348 participants. RESULTS: Hospitalized children and teenagers with AAT had less pain (standardized mean difference = -0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.77 to -0.22; P < 0.001), lower systolic blood pressure (mean difference [MD] = -4.85; 95% CI, -9.50 to -0.21; P= 0.04), higher diastolic blood pressure (MD = 4.95; 95% CI, 1.90 to 8.00; P = 0.001) than controls, while there was no significant difference in depression, anxiety, stress, or HR. CONCLUSION: As an adjuvant to traditional treatment, AAT was beneficial for controlling pain and BP in hospitalized children and teenagers. IMPLICATION: AAT may be an effective strategy for relieving pain and controlling BP in hospitalized children and teenagers, especially those with cancer. High-quality RCTs conducted or supported by nurses on the effects of AAT are needed.

Animal-Assisted Therapy in Palliative Care.

There are still many cases where traditional medical care does not provide a realistic solution for patients with devastating diseases so other interventions should be adopted. We present a case report of a 76 year-old woman admitted to a Palliative Care unit due to stage IV colon adenocarcinoma, and we describe the contribution of a six-year-old Yorkshire terrier in her symptom management. Animal-assisted therapy can be of great use in palliative care, contributing to the patients' pain management, relief from suffering and improvement of quality of life.

Existem casos em que os objetivos tradicionais dos cuidados médicos não apresentam soluções realistas para curar os doentes que enfrentam doenças devastadoras; devendo outros métodos ser aplicados. Os autores apresentam o caso clínico de uma mulher de 76 anos admitida numa unidade de Cuidados Paliativos devido a um adenocarcinoma do cólon estadio IV, e descrevem o papel que um Yorkshire terrier, de seis anos, teve no controlo sintomático desta doente. A terapia assistida por animais pode ser de grande utilidade quando usada com um objetivo terapêutico em cuidados paliativos, ajudando a reduzir a dor e o sofrimento dos doentes, aumentando a qualidade de vida. A terapêutica assistida por animais pode ser de grande utilidade nos cuidados paliativos, contribuindo para a gestão da dor dos doentes, alívio do sofrimento e melhoria da qualidade de vida.

Experiencia de terapia asistida con animal es en una unidad de odontopediatría / Experience of animal assisted therapy in a pediatric dentistry unit

Los niños y adolescentes con necesidades especiales de atención en Salud corresponden a un grupo de individuos que presentan distintos problemas de salud de complejidad variable, siendo una de éstas la atención dental exitosa. La alta prevalencia de patologías orales no es la única complicación al atender a pacientes pediátricos con necesidades especiales de atención en Salud, se suman alteraciones del comportamiento y comunicación, afectando el nivel de cooperación en la atención. A pesar de las limitaciones previamente mencionadas, han surgido diversas adaptaciones y técnicas para conseguir realizar un tratamiento odontológico. En este artículo se describe la terapia asistida con animales como un método complementario beneficioso en la atención de odontopediatría. El objetivo es describir la experiencia de la implementación de terapia asistida con animales, en el tratamiento Odontológico de Niños y Adolescentes con Necesidades Especiales de Atención en Salud. El método usado es el estudio descriptivo - retrospectivo del año 2019, revisión de 32 registros clínicos del sistema de atención digital del hospital, de pacientes pediátricos con necesidades especiales de atención en Salud entre 4 y 13 años, atendidos en odontopediatría con apoyo de terapia asistida por animales. Los resultados muestran que 32 pacientes pediátricos que recibieron atención dental, donde en 26 (81.25%) la intervención dental fue exitosa. Se realizaron en total 36 procedimientos odontológicos, 19 invasivos y 17 no invasivos. La implementación de terapia asistida con animales como complemento de la atención odontopediátrica tuvo una gran aceptación y permitió la realización con éxito de procedimientos dentales invasivos o no invasivos en población pediátrica con necesidades especiales de atención en Salud.

Children and youth with special health care needs, belongs to a group of individuals presenting several health issues of variable complexity and special care needs in health, one of them a successful dental treatment. The high prevalence of oral pathologies is not the only complication we found in dental attention; there are also behaviour and communication disorders, affecting the cooperation level in dental treatment. In spite of the limitations previously mentioned, different adaptations and techniques have surged in order to achieve a successful dental treatment. In this article we describe animal assisted therapy as a useful complementary method for pediatric dental treatment.Objective:Describe the experience of animal assisted therapy in pediatric dentistry treatment of children and youth with special health care needs.Methods:Descriptive-retrospective study performed in 2019, revision of 32 clinical digital records of Hospital, of children and youth with special health care needs, ages between 4-13 years old, and their pediatric dentistry treatment records with animal assisted therapy.Results:32 patients with dental treatment, in 26 patients (81.25%) dental treatment was successful; 36 dental procedures were performed, 19 invasive and 17 non invasive.Conclusion:The implementation of animal assisted therapy as a complement of pediatric dentistry treatment had a high acceptance and allowed successful invasive and non invasive dental procedures in children and youth with special health care needs.

Efeitos da educação assistida por animais na leitura com um grupo de alunos do ensino fundamental / Effects of animal-assisted education on reading with a group of elementary students / Efectos de la educación asistida por animales con la lectura en un grupo de alumnos de primaria

Introdução: A educação assistida por animais (EAA) difunde a utilização de animais como recurso pedagógico. A leitura assistida por cães é a intervenção mais pesquisada na EAA e os resultados apontam melhora no desempenho de leitura de alunos na presença de cães terapeutas. Objetivo: Descrever os efeitos da EAA na motivação e no desempenho em leitura de um grupo de alunos do 5º ano do Ensino Fundamental. Método: Participaram 06 sujeitos com média de 10,9 anos, 02 masculino e 04 feminino, alunos do 5º ano de uma escola municipal. Trata-se de pesquisa experimental, de intervenção, qualitativa. Cada sujeito participou de 06 sessões de leitura em voz alta com duração de 20 minutos, as cinco primeiras com e a última sem a presença do cão. Previamente, os sujeitos responderam ao questionário relativo ao contato com animais e atividades de leitura e pós sessões, sobre relações entre a EAA e leitura. As respostas foram descritas para traçar os perfis individuais e as sessões foram analisadas por meio de categorias de análise de conteúdo a posteriori, de acordo com a incidência e a relevância em relação ao objetivo da pesquisa. Resultados: De acordo com a percepção dos 06 sujeitos, suas habilidades de leitura melhoraram após as sessões e 04 passaram a ler com mais frequência. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos sugerem que a Educação Assistida por Animais pode impactar beneficamente o desempenho de estudantes por operar, de forma positiva, na autopercepção frente às habilidades de leitura.

Introduction: Animal assisted education (AAE) disseminates the use of animals as pedagogical resource. Dog-assisted reading is the most researched intervention in AAE and its results show improvement in student reading performance in the presence of therapy dogs. Objective: Describe the effects of AAE in reading motivation and performance for a group of 5th graders. Method: The study had the participation of 6 subjects averaging 10.9 years old - 2 males and 4 females - in a 5th year classroom of a municipal school. The research was experimental, interventional and qualitative. Each subject participated in six 20-minute read aloud sections, the first five with and the last one without the presence of the dog. Before the sessions, the subjects answered the questionnaire about the contact with animals and reading activities and after the sessions, the questions regarding the relation between AAE and reading. The answers were described to construct the individual profiles and the sessions were analyzed through content analysis categories a posteriori, according to the incidence and relevance in relation to the objective of the research. Results: According to the self-perception of the 6 subjects, their readings skills improved after the sessions. Four out of six subjects started reading more frequently. Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that Animal Assisted Education may improve student performance by positively impacting the self-perception of their reading skills.

Introducción: La educación asistida por animales (EAA), difunde la utilización de animales como recurso pedagógico. La lectura asistida por perros es la intervención más investigada en EAA e los resultados apuntan mejora en el desempeño de lectura de alumnos en la presencia de canes terapeutas. Objetivo: describir los efectos de la EAA en la motivación y en el desempeño en lectura de un grupo de alumnos de 5º año de la primaria. Método: participaron 6 sujetos con una media de 10 y 9 años - 2 masculino y 4 femenino- de un salón de clases de 5º año de una escuela municipal. Se trata de una investigación experimental, de intervención cualitativa. Cada sujeto participó de 6 sesiones de lectura en voz alta, con duración de 20 minutos, las cinco primeras con y la última sin presencia del perro. En sesiones previas, los sujetos respondieron el cuestionario relativo al contacto con animales y actividades de lectura en sesiones posteriores, sobre relaciones entre la EAA y lectura. Las respuestas fueron descritas para trazar los perfiles individuales y las sesiones fueron analizadas, creando categorías de análisis de contenido a posteriori, de acuerdo con la incidencia y relevancia en relación con el objetivo de la investigación. Resultados: según la autopercepción de los 6 sujetos, sus habilidades de lectura mejoraron después de las sesiones. 4 de los 6 participantes pasaron a leer con más frecuencia. Conclusión: los resultados obtenidos sugieren que la educación asistida por animales puede impactar benéficamente el desempeño de estudiantes por operar, de forma positiva, en la autopercepción frente a las habilidades de lectura.

The Impact of a 20-Minute Animal-Assisted Activity Session on the Physiological and Emotional States in Patients With Fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the direct physiological and emotional impact of an animal-assisted activity (AAA) session (a form of complementary and integrative medicine) in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 221 participants with FM who were attending Mayo Clinic's Fibromyalgia Treatment Program between August 5, 2017, and September 1, 2018. This was a randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (a 20-minute session with a certified therapy dog and handler) or the control group (a 20-minute session with a handler only). To gain a better understanding of the direct physiological and emotional effects of AAA in patients with FM, we used multiple noninvasive physiologic-emotional biomarkers, including salivary cortisol and oxytocin concentrations, tympanic membrane temperatures, and various cardiac parameters, in addition to standardized pain and mood-based questionnaires. RESULTS: Results show a decrease in heart rate, an increase in heart rate variability, an increase in well-being survey scores, an increase in salivary oxytocin, and subsequent tympanic membrane temperature changes, suggesting that participants in the treatment group were in a more positive emotional-physiologic state as a result of the AAA session compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a 20-minute therapy dog visit in an outpatient setting can significantly and positively impact the physical and mental health of patients with FM.

A Systematic Literature Review of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Oncology (Part I): Methods and Results.

Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) use human-animal interactions to positive effect in various contexts including cancer care. As the first installment of a 2-part series, this systematic literature review focuses on the research methods and quantitative results of AAI studies in oncology. We find methodological consistency in the use of canines as therapy animals, in the types of high-risk patients excluded from studies, and in the infection precautions taken with therapy animals throughout cancer wards. The investigated patient endpoints are not significantly affected by AAI, with the exceptions of improvements in oxygen consumption, quality of life, depression, mood, and satisfaction with therapy. The AAI field in oncology has progressed significantly since its inception and has great potential to positively affect future patient outcomes. To advance the field, future research should consistently improve the methodological design of studies, report data more completely, and focus more on the therapy animal's well-being.

Youth and Pet Survivors: Exploring the Experiences of Pediatric Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Patients in a Virtual Animal-Assisted Therapy Pen Pal Program.

Introduction: YAPS™ (Youth and Pet Survivors™) is a form of virtual animal-assisted therapy (AAT), a pen pal program designed for children and adolescents with cancer and/or having a bone marrow transplant (BMT) to engage in virtual visits with a dog or a cat (who has also been treated for cancer or serious medical illness) through letter writing and pictures. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the experiences of YAPS participants over time and to explore how virtual AAT may be an additional or alternative intervention to the traditional form of AAT, which involves live visits with animals, primarily dogs. Method: Open-ended, face-to-face interviews were conducted throughout the participants' involvement with their animal pen pal. Interviews were digitally recorded. Data were analyzed using a content analysis method. Results: Fifteen children and adolescents, aged 7 to 16 years, participated. Three main themes and five subthemes were found, including connection, shared experience, and friendship. Themes suggested that a virtual AAT letter writing program can provide a source of fun and a way to process the cancer experience with a dog or cat pen pal who has also faced cancer or serious medical treatment. Discussion: Interventions that promote well-being for pediatric oncology and BMT patients are needed, and virtual AAT seems to be one such intervention suited for those who have an affinity for animals and enjoy letter writing. The findings of this study also presented an exciting and intriguing gap for further research in virtual AAT.

Terapia assistida por animais nos cuidados paliativos / Animal assisted therapy in palliative care

Introdução: Segundo definição da Organização Mundial da Saúde, Cuidados Paliativos (CP) é uma abordagem que promove a qualidade de vida de pacientes e familiares, que enfrentam doenças ameaçadoras da continuidade da vida e requer a atuação de uma equipe multidisciplinar. Sendo assim diversas terapias alternativas estão sendo exploradas, entre elas a Terapia Assistida por Animais (TAA), uma intervenção com objetivo de desenvolver e melhorar aspectos sociais, físicos, emocionais e cognitivos, desenvolvida junto ao profissional da saúde, utilizando um animal como facilitador. Objetivo: Verificar quais benefícios podem ser atribuídos aos pacientes em CP, através da TAA. Métodos: Revisão integrativa de literatura realizada através de busca nas bases de dados PubMed, BVS, Science Direct, Cochrane Library e PEDro, entre os anos de 2009 a 2019. Resultados: Foram incluídos 6 artigos conforme os critérios de elegibilidade. A população mostrou-se principalmente com adultos hospitalizados. Foi avaliado comportamento, humor, emoções, ansiedade, estresse, FC, PA e dor. Contudo, os métodos de avaliação foram empíricos na maioria dos estudos, sendo considerados metodologicamente fracos e apenas um moderado. Conclusão: Quanto aos benefícios produzidos pela TAA em pacientes em CP, observou-se resposta positiva nas funções físicas, emocionais e psicológicas. Contudo mais pesquisas são necessárias com níveis maiores de evidência científica. (AU)

Introduction: As defined by World Health Organization, palliative care (PC) is an approach that promotes quality of life for patients and their families, who face life-threatening diseases and require the performance of a multidisciplinary team. Thus, several alternative therapies are being explored, among them Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), an intervention aimed at developing and improving social, physical, emotional and cognitive aspects, developed with the health professional, using an animal as a facilitator. Objective: To verify which benefits can be attributed to patients in PC through AAT. Methods: Integrative review of literature in the databases Pubmed, BVS, Science Direct, Cochrane Library and PEDro, between the years 2009 and 2019. Results: Six articles were included according to the eligibility criteria. The population was mainly hospitalized adults. Behavior, mood, emotions, anxiety, stress, HR, BP and pain were evaluated. However, the methods of evaluation were empirical in most studies, being considered methodologically weak and only one moderate. Conclusion: Regarding the benefits produced by AAT on patients in PC, a positive response was observed in physical, emotional and psychological functions. Yet more research is needed with higher levels of scientific evidence. (AU)

Consenso: niños y mascotas / Consensus: children and pets

La relación de un niño con un animal doméstico, bajo circunstancias debidamente controladas, es beneficiosa para ambos. Las mascotas establecen vínculos de apego con los niños y la relación resulta positiva en aspectos afectivos, en refuerzo de la personalidad y promoción de autoestima, y en desarrollo cognitivo.Sin embargo, existen riesgos en la convivencia de niños y mascotas: mordeduras, lesiones diversas, transmisión de enfermedades. Los factores de riesgo pueden ser inherentes a los niños (edades, conductas inoportunas, falta de supervisión), al medioambiente (hogares pequeños, espacios inadecuados) o a los perros (razas no recomendables, conductas agresivas).En este consenso, se insiste en pautas para una tenencia responsable y una convivencia segura. Se recomiendan perros y gatos como mascotas, y se desaconsejan especies exóticas y animales no tradicionales. Se brindan pautas de tratamiento de mordeduras y se esbozan las principales zoonosis de las que pueden ser transmisores los animales de compañía.

The relationship of a child with a pet, under duly controlled circumstances, is beneficial for both. Pets establish emotional attachments to children, and the relationship turns out positive in terms of affective aspects, in reinforcement of the child ́s personality and promoting self-esteem, and in cognitive development, among many other advantages.Nevertheless, there are real risks in the coexistence of kids and pets: trauma, bites, several injuries and also disease transmission. Risk factors of injuries can be inherent in children (age, improper behavior, lack of supervision), in the environment (small houses, inadequate spaces), or in dogs (big or not recommended breeds, aggressive behaviors).This consensus insists on some guidelines for a responsible tenure and safe coexistence. Dogs and cats are recommended as pets, discouraging exotic species and non-traditional animals. Guidelines for bites treatment are provided and the main zoonoses of which pets can be carriers and transmitters are outlined

Emotional responses to reading in the first grade - the "L.E.R. Cãofiante"* Project / Emoções face à leitura no 1º ano de escolaridade - Projeto "L.E.R. Cãofiante" / Emociones hacia la lectura en el 1º año de escolaridad - Proyecto 'L.E.R. Cãofiante'

The "L.E.R. Cãofiante"* project was implemented with first-grade pupils who took part in reading sessions animated by a librarian in partnership with her dogs. The goal was to evaluate the effect of this intervention on children's emotions regarding reading (enjoyment, anxiety, boredom). The participants were 80 children (47 in the Intervention Group (IG); 33 in the Comparison Group (CG)). Parents and teachers answered a questionnaire about children's involvement, and the children answered one about reading emotions. For data processing, repeated measures ANOVA was used along with content analysis of the answers to the questionnaires. The results showed different emotional profiles of children in the IG and the CG, mostly regarding enjoyment, which increased in the IG. Data from parents and teachers corroborated this conclusion, emphasising positive experiences which allowed an understanding of the role of dogs in children's enjoyment and interest in reading. (AU)

O projeto 'L.E.R. Cãofiante' foi implementado com alunos do 1º ano que participaram em sessões de leitura na biblioteca, dinamizadas pela bibliotecária em parceria com os seus cães. O objetivo é apresentar a avaliação dessa intervenção nas emoções das crianças face à leitura (prazer, ansiedade, aborrecimento). Participaram 80 crianças (47 no projeto - GP; 33 no Grupo de Comparação - GC). Os encarregados de educação e as professoras responderam a um questionário sobre o envolvimento das crianças, e estas a um questionário de emoções. No tratamento de dados, usou-se a ANOVA para medidas repetidas e análise de conteúdo das respostas aos questionários. Os resultados evidenciaram perfis emocionais diferentes das crianças do GP e do GC essencialmente para o prazer que aumentou no GP. Os dados dos pais e professoras corroboraram essa conclusão realçando as vivências positivas que permitiram compreender o papel dos cães na satisfação e interesse dessas crianças pela leitura. (AU)

El proyecto 'L.E.R. Cãofiante' fue implementado con alumnos de primer año que participaron en sesiones de lectura en la biblioteca, organizadas por el bibliotecario en compañía de sus perros. El objetivo de esta intervención fue evaluar las emociones de los niños con relación a la lectura (Placer, Ansiedad, Aburrimiento). Participaron 80 niños (47 en el proyecto - GP, y 33 en el grupo de comparación -GC). Los encargados de educación y las profesoras respondieron a un cuestionario sobre la participación de los niños, y éstos a un cuestionario de emociones. En el tratamiento de datos se utilizó ANOVA para medidas repetidas y un análisis de contenido de las respuestas de los cuestionarios. Los resultados evidenciaron perfiles emocionales diferentes en los niños del GP y del GC esencialmente para el Placer que aumentó en el GP. Los datos de los padres y profesoras corroboraron esta conclusión siendo resaltadas vivencias positivas que permitieron comprender el papel de los perros en la satisfacción e interés de estos niños por la lectura. (AU)