Natural healers: a review of animal assisted therapy and activities as complementary treatment for chronic conditions

Authors

  • Reiley Reed Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Escuela de Enfermería
  • Lilian Ferrer Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Escuela de Enfermería
  • Natalia Villegas University of Miami; School of Nursing and Health Studies

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692012000300025

Keywords:

Animal Assisted Therapy, Complementary Therapies, Chronic Disease

Abstract

The primary objective of this review is to synthesize the existing literature on the use of animal-assisted therapy and activity (AAT/A) as complementary treatment among people living with chronic disease and to discuss the possible application of this practice among children living with HIV. Relevant databases were searched between March 10 and April 11, 2011, using the words: animal assisted therapy or treatment and chronic conditions or diseases. Thirty-one articles were found and 18 followed the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Research suggests that AAT/A is effective for different patient profiles, particularly children. Interaction with dogs has been found to increase positive behaviors, such as sensitivity and focus, in children with social disabilities. Decreased levels of pain have also been reported among child patients as a result of AAT/A. More research should be done in the area of children living with chronic diseases that require strict adherence to treatment, such as HIV, and on AAT/A's prospective use as an educational tool to teach children about the importance of self-care for their medical conditions.

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Published

2012-06-01

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 3 (2012)

Section

Review Articles

License

RLAE’s authorship concept is based on the substantial contribution by each of the individuals listed as authors, mainly in terms of conceiving and planning the research project, collecting or analyzing and interpreting data, writing and critical review. Indication of authors’ names under the article title is limited to six. If more, authors are listed on the online submission form under Acknowledgements. The possibility of including more than six authors will only be examined on multicenter studies, considering the explanations presented by the authors.
Including names of authors whose contribution does not fit into the above criteria cannot be justified. Those names can be included in the Acknowledgements section.
 Authors are fully responsible for the concepts disseminated in their manuscripts, which do not necessarily reflect the editors’ and editorial board’s opinion.

 

How to Cite

Natural healers: a review of animal assisted therapy and activities as complementary treatment for chronic conditions. (2012). Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 20(3), 612-618. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692012000300025