Using Pet Therapy to Decrease Patients’ Anxiety on Two Diverse Inpatient Units

Abstract

Background: The physical benefits for patients who spend time with a therapy dog have been reported, including decreased anxiety. Pet therapy has decreased anxiety in various hospitalized patient populations. The human–animal bond is the foundation for the positive interaction therapy dogs create. Aims: This study’s purpose was to explore the use of pet therapy as an intervention to decrease patients’ anxiety levels on two diverse inpatient units: Behavioral Health (BHU) and Pediatrics (PEDS). Methods: This was a quantitative study using a convenience sample, with systematic assignment to the experimental and control group. The State Anxiety Scale (SAS), a 6-item, Likert-type Short Form version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, was used with adults and children; a Pediatric Emoji Method was constructed to assist children with the SAS. After consent, both groups completed the SAS pretest. Intervention patients then spent up to 15 minutes with a therapy dog and handler. The SAS posttest was completed 1 hour later by the experimental and control group. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, including an independent samples t test, paired-sample t test, Wilcoxon signed rank tests, and Spearman correlation coefficients. Results: Findings revealed that the therapy dog visitations had a positive effect on lowering anxiety supporting the hypothesis. Both the PEDS and BHU participants experienced a significant decrease in their anxiety level following the dog visits. Conclusion: Patients on the BHU and PEDS units benefitted from their visit with a therapy dog by experiencing a decrease in their anxiety level.