Perceptions and experiences of animal-assisted interventions for people living with dementia: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Zhang, Dou Hennessy, Marita Li, Qiuxia Paley, Nuala Paley, Gerry Houghton, Catherine
Zhang, Dou
Hennessy, Marita
Li, Qiuxia
Paley, Nuala
Paley, Gerry
Houghton, Catherine
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Publication Date
2024-10-06
Keywords
Type
journal article
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Citation
Zhang, Dou, Hennessy, Marita, Li, Qiuxia, Paley, Nuala, Paley, Gerry, & Houghton, Catherine. Perceptions and Experiences of Animal-Assisted Interventions for People Living With Dementia: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. Journal of Clinical Nursing, n/a(n/a). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.17429
Abstract
Aim
To synthesise stakeholders' experiences and perceptions of animal-assisted intervention (AAI) for people with dementia in community care settings.
Design
Qualitative evidence synthesis.
Methods
We systematically searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and AgeLine for potentially eligible studies. Thematic synthesis was used to analyse the data from included studies. We assessed the methodological limitations of included studies using an adaptation of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist and used Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (GRADE-CERQual) tool to assess confidence in review findings. This review is reported using the ENTREQ checklist.
Results
We included 14 reports from 11 studies and developed three analytical themes incorporating a gardening analogy: planting–connecting with animals, growing–engaging in AAI and nurturing–making AAI work; and six subthemes: willingness to connect, building relationships, a rich experience, the benefits of AAI, individualised and holistic approach and training and support, with 15 key findings.
Conclusion
This review describes people's experiences and perceptions of AAI for people with dementia, and provides recommendations on the development and implementation of AAI, with moderate to high confidence. Nurses need to consider the factors that influence the implementation of AAI identified in this review, to facilitate engagement and long-term impacts while adopting AAI in community care settings.
Funder
Publisher
Wiley
Publisher DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.17429
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International