The impact of animal-assisted therapy as a complementary method in the care of oncology patients
Keywords:
Animal-Assisted Therapy, Oncology, NursingAbstract
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) stands out as a promising approach in individual health, promoting calm, comfort, and well-being. This exploratory-descriptive study with a qualitative approach aimed to investigate the effects of AAT on patients admitted to the oncology ward of a large hospital located in the Serra Catarinense region. The research involved ten adult participants who had previously received authorization from the hospital's clinical staff and the Hospital Infection Control Service (SCIH). Data collection was organized into five stages: gathering the clinical history of authorized patients; presentation of the project and signing of the Informed Consent Form (ICF); interaction with the service dog; audio-recorded semi-structured interviews; and, finally, transcription and qualitative analysis of the data. The results indicated that the presence of the therapy dog provided moments of distraction and relief, easing the emotional tension of patients and their families during hospitalization. The qualitative analysis of the collected accounts showed that most respondents expressed positive feelings, such as joy, comfort, and motivation, and evaluated the interaction with the dog as an essential factor in making the hospital environment more humane. However, the study also highlighted the need for strict criteria in selecting both patients and animals participating in the therapy. Considering the observed benefits, the study reinforced the importance of public policies and additional research to encourage the adoption of AAT in hospitals, especially to support patients undergoing oncological treatment
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