Development of an animal-assisted activity program on a pediatric behavioral health unit

Abstract

Animal-assisted activities (AAA), a form of animal-assisted interaction, have the potential to improve positive coping for youth with significant psychiatric symptoms admitted to acute behavioral health units. However, little is known regarding the appropriateness of an AAA program in short-term mental health hospital settings. The goal of this investigation is to describe and report on the feasibility and acceptability of embedding a canine-AAA program within the therapeutic programming of a pediatric behavioral health unit. Both patient participants and unit staff completed quantitative and qualitative measures. Outcomes yielded preliminary data suggesting AAA was feasible and acceptable to patients and unit staff. Initial efficacy outcomes demonstrated decreases in subjective distress. Qualitative data provided areas for further refinement of the AAA program.