Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Patrizia Piotti, Mariangela Albertini, Lidia Pia Trabucco, Lucia Ripari, Christos Karagiannis, Claudio Bandi, Federica Pirrone
Summary: The study found that dogs' personalities influenced their communication with owners and emotional responses. Dogs sensitive to uncertainty tended to look at owners more, while those sensitive to rewards and punishment looked at owners less.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alexander Muela, Nekane Balluerka, Eneko Sansinenea, Juan Manuel Machimbarrena, Jon Garcia-Ormaza, Nekane Ibarretxe, Ane Eguren, Patxi Baigorri
Summary: Youth suicide is a global public health issue, and reducing mortality by suicide is a priority for the WHO. A pilot study evaluating the OverCome-AAI program found reductions in suicidal behavior and self-harm, as well as increased help-seeking behavior among young people. The inclusion of specially trained animals may promote socio-emotional learning and prevent suicidal behavior in high-risk populations.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Antonio Santaniello, Susanne Garzillo, Serena Cristiano, Alessandro Fioretti, Lucia Francesca Menna
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review on the characteristics of dogs involved in animal-assisted therapies (AATs), revealing a lack of information about the dogs and a need for standardized methods for their selection, training, and health protocols.
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Macy Burr, Jordan Buntich, Marissa Gonzalez, Stephanie Miranda, Tuyen Vu
Summary: This study aims to gain insight into the perspectives of therapists who incorporate Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) into their programs and explore benefits and ethical considerations. The results indicate that most participants have not used Robotic Animal-Assisted Therapy (RAAT), but many see it as an alternative or preparatory intervention when live animal interaction is not possible. The data further contributes to an emerging field.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Elias Guillen Guzman, Laia Sastre Rodriguez, Pilar Santamarina-Perez, Laura Hermida Barros, Marta Garcia Giralt, Eva Domenec Elizalde, Fransesc Ristol Ubach, Miguel Romero Gonzalez, Yeray Pastor Yuste, Cristina Diaz Tellez, Soledad Romero Cela, Laura Real Gisbert, Miquel Salmeron Medina, Anna Ballesteros-Urpi, Astrid Morer Linan
Summary: Dog-assisted therapy (DAT) has shown positive effects on emotional self-regulation, reducing behavioral outbursts, improving social behavior, and increasing treatment attendance and commitment in children with mental health disorders. While parents may not observe significant improvements, health professionals recognize the benefits of DAT in motivating patients and improving the therapeutic atmosphere.
Article
Psychiatry
Maryellen Gibson, Colleen Anne Dell, Darlene Chalmers, Grace Rath, Mansfield Mela
Summary: In recent years, canine-assisted interventions (CAI) in prisons have been on the rise globally. However, most programs have focused on the benefits to dogs rather than the impact on participants. A perspective study conducted with a CAI program in a Canadian federal prison called PAWSitive Support indicates that therapy dogs provide comfort, support, and love to participants, improving participant-staff relations and helping them express emotions. The integration of therapy dogs in prisons could be a novel harm reduction strategy and offer unique insight into compassionate care for forensic psychiatry patients.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Isabel Gomez-Calcerrada, Ana Myriam Lavin-Perez, Santos Villafaina, Juan Carlos Rueda-Rubio, Beatriz Rivera-Martin, Israel Gonzalez-Garcia, Eugenio Merellano-Navarro, Marta Mateo-Garitagoitia, Carlota Gonzalez-Plaza, Daniel Collado-Mateo
Summary: Despite not being considered evidence-based practice for adults with ASD, animal-assisted therapy may lead to relevant benefits in gait, posture, and communication skills, improving their ability to perform activities of daily living.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Review
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Jana Meixner, Kurt Kotrschal
Summary: Dog-assisted interventions in educational settings have the potential to help children with special educational needs improve their emotional, social, and cognitive skills. However, there is still limited reliable evidence for the effectiveness of this approach, and the results from studies are mixed.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Monica Teresa Gonzalez-Ramirez, Rene Landero-Hernandez
Summary: Research shows that relationships with cats are better than relationships with dogs, as the cost of dog ownership is higher and there is more interaction with cats. However, emotional closeness is greater in relationships with dogs.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Raquel Vidal, Laura Vidal, Jorge Lugo, Francesc Ristol, Eva Domenec, Teresa Casas, Anna Veiga, Cristina Vico, Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga, Nuria Gomez-Barros
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of Dog-assisted Therapy (DAT) in children and adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 71 participants, randomly assigned to either the DAT group or the Relaxation Group. Results showed that the DAT group experienced reduced symptoms and improved social skills and quality of life compared to the relaxation control group. The study suggests that DAT and relaxation may be promising adjunctive treatments for children and adolescents with FASD.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
Malene Kalsnes Tyssedal, Erik Johnsen, Aurora Bronstad, Silje Skrede
Summary: This systematic review examined the effect of dog-assisted interventions as a supplementary treatment for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and related disorders. The included studies indicated potential benefits in improving various outcome measures, but the interpretation of results was complicated due to the low number of participants, heterogeneity, and risk of bias.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Hongdi Du, Lin Bo, Xiaoxing Lai, Hongwei Zhu, Xiaopeng Huo
Summary: This network meta-analysis aimed to compare and rank the efficacy of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and pet-robotic therapy (PRT) in the management of dementia. Nineteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, and the results showed that PRT marginally benefited agitation alleviation compared with control, although both AAT and PRT did not improve cognitive function, reduce depression, and improve Quality of Life (QoL). According to the SUCRA probabilities, PRT ranked better than AAT in agitation, cognitive function, and QoL.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Shannon K. French, David L. Pearl, Michelle Lem, Susan Kilborn, Blanaid Donnelly, Margaret Slater
Summary: Approximately 35,000 people experience homelessness in Canada each night, with around 10-20% of them being pet owners. Animal companionship offers mental and physical benefits to those experiencing homelessness and housing vulnerability, although concerns have been raised about the health and welfare of these animals by some in the non-vulnerable sector.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Sharmaine L. Miller, James A. Serpell, Kathryn R. Dalton, Kaitlin B. Waite, Daniel O. Morris, Laurel E. Redding, Nancy A. Dreschel, Meghan F. Davis
Summary: Investigations of therapy dog welfare have primarily focused on physiological and behavioral measures, but have not fully considered the continuum of welfare. This review proposes using objective measurements of the HPA axis and behavioral observations to evaluate positive welfare in therapy dogs. The role of oxytocin and questionnaire data are also discussed. However, to date, no studies have comprehensively measured these factors to assess therapy dog welfare.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Sonia Smith, Colleen Anne Dell, Tim Claypool, Darlene Chalmers, Aliya Khalid
Summary: This study explores the experience of animal-assisted therapy as a form of attachment in forensic psychiatric facilities/prisons and its impact on prisoners. The findings suggest that therapy dogs can serve as surrogate attachment figures for prisoners, mitigating their experiences of loneliness and fostering their development of interpersonal connections.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Susan Arnold, Lynette Mackenzie, Carole James, Michael Millington
Summary: Occupational therapists play a crucial role in determining levels of domestic assistance, but assessments can vary due to different perspectives on care hours. A survey of therapists providing medicolegal reports in Australia revealed a strong correlation between clinical and medicolegal experience, and the importance of considering medical diagnoses and claimant performance when estimating hours of care. Therapists should provide written documentation explaining assessment methods used and consider triangulating data including claimant statements, task observation, medical reports, and contextual factors.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Caitlin Hamilton, Meryl Lovarini, Maayken van den Berg, Annie McCluskey, Leanne Hassett
Summary: The study found that physiotherapists rated the usability of Fitbit devices, Fysiogaming, and Xbox Kinect relatively high, with key factors including device features, context of use, and support. Health service managers and clinicians should take these factors into consideration when selecting technologies for clinical practice.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Joyce Yan-Lok Leung, Lynette Mackenzie, Claire Dickson
Summary: The study found that while there were no significant differences between families with assistance dogs and those on the waiting list, trends suggested that assistance dogs can increase desired social behaviors, decrease ASD severity, and improve family wellbeing. The results add to the evidence supporting the positive impact of assistance dogs on individuals with ASD.
AUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Jodie Schroder, Lynette Mackenzie
Summary: There is currently insufficient evidence to determine whether non-pharmacological interventions have an impact on activity performance and participation in adult cancer survivors with cancer-related fatigue.
OTJR-OCCUPATION PARTICIPATION AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Lei Wang, Lynette Mackenzie, Zakia Hossain
Summary: This study investigated breast cancer screening practices and associated factors among Chinese-Australian women. Results showed a high proportion of participants received clinical breast examinations and mammograms. Age, religion, employment status, length of residence, and income were related to screening practices. Associations were found between knowledge of breast cancer, cancer-related beliefs, and screening participation. Length of residence was the strongest predictor for screening practices.
NURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Lauren J. Christie, Reem Rendell, Annie McCluskey, Nicola Fearn, Abigail Hunter, Meryl Lovarini
Summary: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of adults who completed a constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) programme, and the barriers and enablers to their participation. The results showed that providing education about the programme, seeing improvements in arm function, being committed to the programme, and having social support were enablers to participation. On the other hand, experiencing physical and mental fatigue, frustration early in the CIMT programme, and finding exercises boring and repetitive were barriers to participation.
Article
Management
Irene Mok, Lynette Mackenzie, Kate Thomson
Summary: The purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of HR professionals in managing career development for older workers and how these experiences influence their approach and their organization's practices. The findings reveal that recruiting HR professionals with a protagonist mindset can enhance the career development of older workers, and narrative thematic analysis is an effective method for studying the impact of HR professionals' experiences.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN ORGANIZATIONS AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Cathy Monro, Lynette Mackenzie, Kate O'Loughlin, Lee-Fay Low, Sanetta Henrietta Johanna Du Toit
Summary: This study explores the lived experiences and expectations of clients and families in residential aged care facilities amid major aged care reforms in Australia. The findings highlight the discrepancy between the experiences of care delivered and expectations of meeting initial and changing care needs.
AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Karen Arblaster, Lynette Mackenzie, Niels Buus, Timothy Chen, Katherine Gill, Lisa Gomez, Deborah Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Andrea McCloughen, Margaret Nicholson, Yvette Quinn, Jo River, Justin Newton Scanlan, Carl Schneider, Richard Schweizer, Karen Wells
Summary: This study describes the co-design of a teaching resource with people with lived experience of mental distress and recovery. The findings suggest that collaborating with people with lived experience has a significant impact on student recovery capabilities.
AUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Husna Ahmad Ainuddin, Muhammad Hibatullah Romli, Mazatulfazura S. F. Salim, Tengku Aizan Hamid, Lynette Mackenzie
Summary: Objective A fall after a stroke is common but the consequences can be devastating not only for the stroke survivors and caregivers, but also for healthcare and society. However, research on falls prevention among the stroke population is limited, particularly on home hazards assessment and modifications, requiring further study. This study aims to validate a home hazard management program guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) Model for falls prevention among community dwelling stroke survivors.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Atticus Maddox, Lynette Mackenzie
Summary: This study aimed to explore the challenges faced by home care workers and nurses working with people diagnosed with dementia in the community, to identify job demands contributing to their vulnerability to occupational violence, and to determine ways to help manage occupational violence. Serious issues were identified by participants, yet very little is known about occupational violence for these community care workers. Findings can inform what aspects of work design can be improved to moderate the effects of occupational violence exposure or mitigate rates of exposure, to enable long-term services for people with dementia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Heather So, Lynette Mackenzie, Chris Chapparo, Judy Ranka, Mary Ann McColl
Summary: This study investigates how spirituality is incorporated into the practice of various health professions in Australia. The Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) protocol was used to search six databases, resulting in a final inclusion of sixty-seven articles. A qualitative synthesis was conducted to present the findings. 'Meaning' and 'purpose in life' were identified as key elements in many spirituality definitions. Australian health professionals commonly use one or two questions within a comprehensive assessment to inquire about client spirituality. Major facilitators include a holistic care approach and prior training, while a lack of time is identified as a key barrier.
JOURNAL OF RELIGION & HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Rehabilitation
Alena Jane Haines, Lynette Mackenzie, Anne Honey, Peter G. Middleton
Summary: This article summarizes the impact of occupational engagement and occupational balance on wellbeing and quality of life in women with chronic illness during the transition to motherhood. The study found that access to information, social support, expert care, and financial resources can improve quality of life and healthcare compliance. These findings are important for supporting women with chronic illness during the motherhood journey and can inform further research on the scope of occupational therapy practice with this population.
AUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Cathy Monro, Lynette Mackenzie, Sanetta duToit, Kate O'Loughlin, Lee-Fay Low
Summary: This study aimed to explore the experiences and strategic responses of governance members in residential care facilities to aged care reforms in Australia. The study found that changes in business models, cost management, staffing, and maintaining care quality were necessary for the sustainability of these facilities.
GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRIC MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Rehabilitation
Akane Katsu, Lynette Mackenzie, Zephanie Tyack, Martin Mackey
Summary: This study evaluated qualitative findings on return-to-employment after burn injury. The findings revealed that individuals face various barriers, including physical, psychological, social, and environmental challenges, when returning to work after burn injury. Work resumption is considered a crucial milestone of recovery for burn survivors and healthcare professionals. However, there is limited understanding of clinical practices and service gaps regarding return-to-employment outcomes after burn injury.
AUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL
(2023)