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Parents' Perceptions of Pediatric Surgical Patients Regarding Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Qualitative Study
Felice Curcio1, Dhurata Ivziku2, Simona Pirisinu1
1Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Sassari (UNISS), Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
Insights
Pet therapy, or Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), significantly reduces anxiety in pediatric surgical patients. Parents perceive AAT as beneficial for children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Animal-Assisted Interventions
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is gaining recognition in pediatric hospital settings.
- Parental perceptions of AAT in pediatric surgical care are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore parental perceptions of pet therapy (AAT) for pediatric surgical patients.
- To understand the emotional, relational, and organizational impacts of AAT from a parental perspective.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
- Semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 mothers of pediatric surgical patients.
- Thematic analysis to identify key themes in parental experiences with AAT.
Main Results:
- Parents view AAT as a valuable tool for reducing children's anxiety and providing emotional support.
- AAT positively impacts parental well-being when children appear calmer.
- Dogs were preferred for their nature; structured AAT programs enhanced perceived quality of care.
Conclusions:
- Parents perceive AAT as a beneficial intervention for hospitalized pediatric surgical patients.
- Nurses are crucial in integrating AAT within Family-Centered Care to improve patient experience.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Pet therapy, also known as Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), is increasingly recognized for its potential to support pediatric patients and their families in the hospital setting. This study explores the perceptions of parents of pediatric surgical patients regarding the use of pet therapy during hospitalization. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children admitted for surgery procedures. The interviews were transcribed, read thoroughly, and analyzed. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring themes related to the emotional, relational, and organizational aspects of pet therapy. Results: Twenty mothers were interviewed and five main themes emerged: (1) general perception of pet therapy (valuable tool to reduce children's anxiety and provide emotional support); (2) parental expectations about benefits for their children (positive interactions between children, parents and caregivers); (3) expected behavioral impact on the child (animals were viewed as mediators of relational bonding, especially in stressful moments); (4) emotional repercussions on caregivers (parental well-being improved when children appeared calmer during sessions); and (5) preferences regarding animals and organizational aspects (most parents preferred dogs for their empathic and communicative nature, while horses were appreciated but considered impractical in a hospital setting). In addition, the presence of structured AAT programs also positively influenced parents' perception of the quality of care. Nurses played a crucial role in supporting the implementation of AAT and family involvement, aligning with the Family-Centered Care model. Conclusions: This study found that parents view AAT as a valuable intervention that reduces anxiety and supports emotional well-being in hospitalized children. Nurses play a vital role in integrating AAT within Family-Centered Care to enhance the pediatric hospital experience.
