Animal-assisted services in Australia and New Zealand intensive care units: A cross-sectional survey

While animal-assisted services have demonstrated clinical benefits for patients in acute and subacute healthcare settings, there is a paucity of research evidence regarding these services in intensive care units (ICUs).

The objectives of this study were (1) to identify the prevalence of animal-assisted services in ICUs in Australia and New Zealand and (2) to gain an understanding of the key characteristics, practices, and barriers of animal-assisted services in ICUs.

Between February and May 2024, a cross-sectional online survey was distributed via convenience and snowball sampling approaches to a representative from all Australian and New Zealand ICUs. Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarise survey responses.

From the survey responses (n = 63; response rate: 47%), animal-assisted services were or had been offered in 44% of ICUs (n = 28). While there were variations in the characteristics and delivery of animal-assisted services, every service involved dogs, targeted patients as recipients of the service, and required patient and staff hand hygiene. Most respondents indicated that dogs need to be washed and brushed prior to visiting the ICU and remain on a leash while in the ICU. There were no reports of adverse events. Common barriers to animal-assisted services included a lack of program initiation, staffing constraints, infection control policies, and limited funding.

This study provides preliminary evidence of the prevalence and characteristics of animal-assisted services in Australian and New Zealand ICUs. Variation in the characteristics of animal-assisted services demonstrates a need for identification of best practices pertaining to animal-assisted services in the ICU and the development of guidelines to support the implementation of these services. Future interventional studies are required to provide further evidence of the feasibility and effectiveness of animal-assisted services, both as meet-and-greet-style support programs and treatment interventions in ICUs.