Animal-Assisted Psychoeducational Intervention in Paediatric Oncohaematology: Evidence from a Single-Centre...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Child Psychology
• Complementary Therapies

Background:

• Hospitalization for pediatric oncohaematological diseases causes significant stress, impacting children's emotional regulation.
• Complementary interventions can support clinical work, fostering emotional awareness and well-being in young patients.
• Animal-assisted psychoeducational interventions offer a novel approach to support children during treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and perceived benefits of an animal-assisted psychoeducational intervention.
• To enhance emotional coping mechanisms in pediatric patients undergoing hospitalization.
• To assess the impact of animal-assisted activities on children's well-being during cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• A single-center observational study involving 60 pediatric patients (ages 6-15) with oncohaematological diseases.
• Intervention included in-ward aquarium observation, virtual animal encounters, and a psychoeducational booklet.
• Activities promoted emotional reflection through symbolic identification with animal behaviors.

Main Results:

• The intervention demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability, with 90% reporting positive emotions.
• 80% found the psychoeducational booklet engaging, and 100% felt cared for by facilitators.
• Activities fostered engagement and well-being, though deeper emotional processing impact was limited.

Conclusions:

• Animal-assisted psychoeducational interventions are feasible and well-received in pediatric oncohaematology.
• These interventions provide complementary support to clinical care, promoting emotional resilience.
• The approach enriches the hospital experience for children undergoing cancer treatment.