ISR 12 - Implementing Animal Assisted Care with Dogs and Aquatic Therapy with a Fish Tank on Wheels for Patients and Healthcare Workers

Background: The human-animal interaction can positively impact patients and hospital team members socially, emotionally, and physiologically. Establishing animal and handler guidelines and considering infection prevention practices provide a safe environment. At a 928-bed acute care hospital, a team including Infection Prevention, an experienced registered nurse and certified dog trainer and Child Life Director successfully implemented an animal assisted care program with dogs. Additionally, Child Life services has implemented mobile aquatic therapy to bring comfort to patients and team members.

Methods: Hospital policy incorporated guidelines from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA). In partnership with Infection Prevention, a tool was created in which patient charts were reviewed and space was reviewed for team member visits with dogs. It was essential to define the process, anticipate challenges, refer to best practice, and continually monitor the process.
For mobile aquatic therapy or fish tank on wheels, Infection Prevention was consulted early for feasibility. Equipped with an auto-feeder, the cleaning and maintenance of the fully enclosed, locked system was managed by the vendor, which eliminated extra work for team members. Patients on transmission-based precautions would benefit from a “fishy sleepover”. When not in a patient’s room, the tank was admired by team members, providing those same benefits that are mentioned above.

Results: Animal assisted interventions are integrated into patients’ treatment plans and promote healing experiences. Dog visits for team members continue to promote engagement and well-being one pet at a time. The fully enclosed, well-maintained fish tank on wheels relaxed and distracted pediatric patients during their stay giving fish tanks a new meaning in the world of infection prevention.

Conclusions: Animal assisted care through dogs and fish challenged some of infection prevention’s rigid traditions, elevated patient experience, and encouraged team member wellbeing.