Implementation of a pet visitation program in critical care

Area of Science:

• Animal-assisted therapy
• Critical care medicine
• Patient well-being

Background:

• Critically ill patients often experience profound loneliness, isolation, and depression.
• These patients are frequently denied simple pleasures due to their critical condition.
• Existing therapeutic interventions may not fully address the emotional and psychological needs of ICU patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation and reception of a pet visitation program for critically ill patients.
• To explore the potential of pet visitation as a humanistic therapeutic intervention.
• To address the psychological distress experienced by patients in intensive care units (ICUs).

Main Methods:

• A pet visitation program was implemented, involving approximately 30 animal visits (28 dogs, 2 cats) over two years.
• Data collection included staff observations and participant evaluations.
• The program targeted critically ill patients requiring additional emotional support.

Main Results:

• The program has been in place for over two years with consistent pet visits.
• Staff observations and participant evaluations of the pet visitation program have been largely positive.
• While quantitative data on patient benefit is not yet available, the program has been well-received by participants.

Conclusions:

• Pet visitation provides a valuable, humanistic therapeutic option for critically ill patients.
• The program effectively addresses common issues such as loneliness and lack of emotional support in the ICU.
• Despite being time-consuming, pet visitation is a well-received intervention that will continue to be offered.