Trained therapy dogs aid chronically ill patients in the US
A new animal-assisted therapy program has launched at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in conjunction with the Canine Therapy Corps in Chicago, boosting mood and wellbeing for patients.
Interaction with animals has been shown to reduce blood pressure, increase sensory stimulation, inspire a sense of purpose, increase social interactions with staff and reduce loneliness by creating a sense of companionship.
The program began in 2010 in the oncology unit of Prentice Women’s Hospital, part of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where dogs visit cancer, palliative care and hospice patients.
The program has been so well received, that it has been recently expanded to include visits with patients in the women care unit as well as the surgical floor where many of the patients have paralysis and are in the hospital long-term.
“We are excited to be able to provide a welcomed break in the day for patients, many of whom are in the hospital for long term care. Interacting with the dogs has a noticeable impact on their mood and enhances their well being,” said Patricia Murphy, director of oncology nursing at Northwestern Memorial.
Research suggests that visits with animals may improve patient outcomes, decrease length of hospital stay, help with confusion, depression and manage pain symptoms.
If a patient is unable to receive a visit from the dogs because of infection control, open wounds or compromised immune systems, the dogs are trained to stand in the doorway and wave to the patient.
Hospital staff and visitors are also always excited to see the pups.
“The oncology unit can be very stressful for staff, families and the patients. The dogs bring great energy and happiness when they come to visit. It really brightens everyone’s day,” said Jessica Palis, clinical coordinator at Northwestern Memorial.
