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Animal-assisted therapy ( AAT ), a subcategory of AAA , is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal meeting specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process .”
and independence . Animals can assist with this goal .
Research shows that people benefit from human-animal interaction :
● Psychologically by reducing stress and anxiety and increasing motivation and a sense of wellbeing
● Socially through increasing interaction with others
● Physiologically by decreasing blood pressure and decreasing cardiovascular risks
What Could Go Wrong ?
The increased presence of animals in healthcare facilities may increase the spread of zoonotic pathogens and cross-contamination of human pathogens from person-to-person . Animals can look healthy but carry harmful microorganisms that can spread to people and cause many different types of illnesses , ranging from mild to serious and even death .
Germs spread between animals and humans in the same ways germs are spread from person-to-person in a healthcare setting , usually through direct or indirect contact and less likely through droplet or aerosol transmission .
Those at greatest risk of serious illness from a zoonotic disease are :
● Children under 5 years old because young children often touch contaminated surfaces and are less likely to wash their hands
● Adults older than 65
● People with weakened immune systems
● Pregnant women
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Strategies to Minimize Infection Prevention and Control Risks of Animals in Healthcare Settings
The most important infection prevention and control ( IP & C ) measure to prevent potential zoonotic disease transmission is strict enforcement of hand-hygiene measures :
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● using soap and water
● using alcohol-based hand sanitizer
All patients , residents , and staff should clean their hands before and after contact with an animal . Care should also be taken to avoid direct contact with animal urine or feces . Wear gloves to clean up environmental surfaces and use leak-resistant plastic bags to discard waste . After visits , the area should be cleaned according to standard cleaning procedures .
Designate a person to function as a liaison to the animal handler visiting the facility . Participating animals must have a behavioral assessment by a recognized group or organization . Animals should be bathed within 24 hours before the visit , have short nails , and may wear a shirt or vest to control dander .
Animals must be healthy and current with immunizations , including rabies vaccination and others required in the state . An annual physical examination by a licensed veterinarian should include dental and dermatology evaluations . Animals should be free of communicable diseases and parasites , be on a flea control program , and be free of any skin condition or wounds .
Handlers must ensure that animals do not lick or come in contact with a patient ’ s open wound or devices . If an animal is allowed in a patient ’ s bed , a barrier such as a disposable cloth , towel , or sheet can be placed between the animal ’ s coat and the patient ’ s linen . Remove this when the animal leaves and do not use the barrier for more than one person . Animals are to be kept on a short leash or in a carrier or basket . The use of retractable leashes is discouraged .
The animal ’ s handler also must be healthy and free of communicable diseases . Facilities are encouraged to offer no-cost influenza vaccines to handlers as part of the annual flu vaccination program .
Elements to Include in an Animal Visitation Policy
Expert guidance for service animals states that any policy allowing service animals of patients and visitors into a facility should be compliant with the ADA , any other state , and local regulations , and include a statement that only dogs and miniature horses are recognized as service animals under federal
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law . If an inpatient has a service animal , the infection prevention and control department should be notified , followed by discussion with the patient to make sure the service animal complies with facility policies .
AAA guidance suggests facilities should develop a written policy and have a designated visit liaison with oversight of the program . Allow only dogs to serve in AAA . Animals and handlers should be formally trained and evaluated . Animal interaction areas should be determined in collaboration with the Infection Prevention and Control team , and clinical staff should be educated about the program .
Pet visitation guidance should limit pets from entering the healthcare facility . Exceptions may be considered if the healthcare team determines that visitation with a pet would be a benefit to the patient and can be performed with limited risk .
To assess a patient or resident ’ s suitability for an animal visit , ask if he / she wants to interact with the animal or has animal allergies or phobias . Exclude patients with allergies to animals ; open wounds or burns ; immunosuppression ; agitation or aggression ; or transmission-based precautions of any kind . Also , exclude patients who are infected with tuberculosis , Salmonella , Campylobacter , Shigella , Group A Streptococcus , methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA ), ringworm , and Giardia – these are easily spread .
People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get certain diseases , including those that animals can carry . Many facilities do not offer AAA or AAT programs for severely immunocompromised patients . Animals should not be brought into an oncology or transplant unit or any other unit housing severely immunosuppressed patients .
Be aware there may be state regulations for animal visitation , animal sanitation requirements , or animals residing in residential facilities , nursing homes , and group homes . These regulations are in place to prevent health and safety hazards .
Consult with a local veterinarian when writing your policy . The American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association have published
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The increased presence of animals in healthcare facilities may increase the spread of zoonotic pathogens and crosscontamination of human pathogens from person-toperson . Animals can look healthy but carry harmful microorganisms that can spread to people and cause many different types of illnesses , ranging from mild to serious and even death .” |