Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), Dog Therapy
Care Process & Redesign
SingHealth Quality Service Award
Agency for Integrated Care - Intermediate and Long Term Care
31 December 2017
Improve standing balance, functional mobility, and fine motor skills through therapy dog sessions designed to meet. AAT positively impacts patients' holistic well-being, including mood, physical, and cognitive engagement.
Year Submitted: 2017
Published Date: 31 December 2017
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Clinical Practice Improvement
About this Content
Aims
Improve standing balance, functional mobility, and fine motor skills through therapy dog sessions designed to meet individual patient goals.
Background
Patients often experience a lack of motivation during long hospital stays, leading to poor engagement in conventional therapy sessions. AAT aims to improve attendance and engagement, especially for those with cognitive impairments.
Methods
Menorah Park Engagement Scale, Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and feedback collection from patients and volunteers.
Results
95.9% of patients showed increased MBI scores after participation; reduced agitation, pain, and depression; increased duration and quality of therapy sessions, reducing long-stay cases.
Conclusion
AAT positively impacts patients' holistic well-being, including mood, physical, and cognitive engagement.
Lessons Learnt
Participation in AAT improves patient engagement in conventional therapy and reduces long stays.
Additional Information
Recognized for SHQSA Best Team Award 2020.
Keywords
Care Redesign, Clinical Improvement, Community Hospital, Patient Engagement, Rehabilitation Therapy, Dementia, Functional Mobility, Holistic Well-being, Therapy Dogs
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | Agency for Integrated Care - Intermediate and Long Term Care |
Organization(s) Involved | Ang Mo Kio Thye Hua Kwan Hospital |
Platform(s) | SingHealth Quality Service Award |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Psychiatry |
Project Lead(s) | Ailbhe Kelly |
Project Member(s) |
Connect with this contributor!
Ailbhe Kelly - ailbhe_kelly@amkh.org.sg