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Recommended Citation
Hogan A, Hoey M. The Use of Pet Therapy to Improve Well-Being Among the Interdisciplinary Frontline Teammates: A Pilot Study. Research podium presentation at Elevating Nursing Excellence: Purpose, Profession, Passion; Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2024; November 13, 2024; virtual.
Presentation Notes
Research podium presentation at Elevating Nursing Excellence: Purpose, Profession, Passion; Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2024; November 13, 2024; virtual.
Abstract
Background/Introduction
Healthcare provider burnout is a serious public health concern impacting teammates, patients, and healthcare systems. One of our organization’s strategic goals is teammate well-being. Recent research has shown that the implementation of a Pet Therapy program in busy healthcare organizations is feasible, and acceptable to healthcare providers due to the immense psychological benefits it offers. Pet Therapy is defined as an interaction between an individual and certified animal for therapeutic purposes to help improve human well‐being.
Purpose
Pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of Pet Therapy on the overall well-being of frontline teammates.
Methods
Pre and post validated electronic surveys used to measure multiple dimensions of well-being. Sample included frontline nurses, patient-care technicians, and medical receptionists across three adult in-patient units. Intervention: 12 weekly visits by a certified Pet Therapy team, allowing participants to touch and physically interact with the dog. On Pet Therapy Day, the participants recorded one word from Willcox’s Feeling Wheel chart to label their feelings prior, post interacting with the dog, and at shift-end. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
Results
Multiple wellbeing outcomes showed improvement but not statistically significant. Twenty-seven completed the Feeling Wheel questionnaire. The most common primary feeling labeled prior to pet interaction was “Sad” (56%). Post interaction with pet, “Joyful” (93%), at end of shift “Powerful” (67%). Pet Therapy had a positive impact on the teammates’ emotions that continued to the end of the shift. This finding was supported by per-verbatim survey responses and recommendations to implement this program hospital-wide.
Conclusions/Implications for Practice
Results indicates that Pet Therapy is an effective intervention in promoting well-being. Based on the immense psychological benefits reported by participants, Pet Therapy was implemented hospital-wide for patients and teammates. Pet Therapy programs are feasible and low-cost initiatives to support teammate well-being with positive outcomes for all.
Document Type
Oral/Podium Presentation
Publication Date
11-13-2024
The Use of Pet Therapy to Improve Well-Being Among the Interdisciplinary Frontline Teammates: A Pilot Study
Background/Introduction
Healthcare provider burnout is a serious public health concern impacting teammates, patients, and healthcare systems. One of our organization’s strategic goals is teammate well-being. Recent research has shown that the implementation of a Pet Therapy program in busy healthcare organizations is feasible, and acceptable to healthcare providers due to the immense psychological benefits it offers. Pet Therapy is defined as an interaction between an individual and certified animal for therapeutic purposes to help improve human well‐being.
Purpose
Pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of Pet Therapy on the overall well-being of frontline teammates.
Methods
Pre and post validated electronic surveys used to measure multiple dimensions of well-being. Sample included frontline nurses, patient-care technicians, and medical receptionists across three adult in-patient units. Intervention: 12 weekly visits by a certified Pet Therapy team, allowing participants to touch and physically interact with the dog. On Pet Therapy Day, the participants recorded one word from Willcox’s Feeling Wheel chart to label their feelings prior, post interacting with the dog, and at shift-end. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
Results
Multiple wellbeing outcomes showed improvement but not statistically significant. Twenty-seven completed the Feeling Wheel questionnaire. The most common primary feeling labeled prior to pet interaction was “Sad” (56%). Post interaction with pet, “Joyful” (93%), at end of shift “Powerful” (67%). Pet Therapy had a positive impact on the teammates’ emotions that continued to the end of the shift. This finding was supported by per-verbatim survey responses and recommendations to implement this program hospital-wide.
Conclusions/Implications for Practice
Results indicates that Pet Therapy is an effective intervention in promoting well-being. Based on the immense psychological benefits reported by participants, Pet Therapy was implemented hospital-wide for patients and teammates. Pet Therapy programs are feasible and low-cost initiatives to support teammate well-being with positive outcomes for all.
Affiliations
Atrium Health Navicent