Factors That Influence the Implementation of Animal-Assisted Intervention for People With Dementia in Community Care...

To explore the factors that influence the implementation of animal-assisted intervention (AAI) for people with dementia in community care settings in Ireland.

Descriptive qualitative study.

Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 13 people with dementia, 11 care partners and 18 health and social care practitioners from November 2024 to June 2025. Interviewees were recruited from 10 community care settings and local dementia networks across 11 counties in Ireland. A photo elicitation approach was applied. Framework method was used for data analysis, integrating the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

A variety of AAI types were used across community care settings. The complexity and variation in AAI delivery and factors that influence its implementation were described. We developed four themes and 11 subthemes to illustrate the inter-relationship among factors combining five domains of CFIR: attitudes toward AAI; available and accessible resources; design and development of AAI; and scaffolding to facilitate AAI implementation.

AAI has promising benefits for people with dementia. Our findings provide rich insights into the multi-level factors that influence AAI practice. Future research should focus on developing and enhancing implementation strategies, applying user-centred design, to address barriers, leverage facilitators and tailor to local context, ultimately increasing the adoption and impact of AAI.

The findings contribute to the evidence base for best practices of AAI, inform the development of strategies, guidelines and policies of dementia care, and foster the creation of a dementia-friendly community.

Two patients and members of the public (both co-authors) and four advisory group members who share a love of animals were involved in this study, contributing to the research design, recruitment, data analysis and final paper.