One Health

Take time to "paws": a quality improvement project utilizing facility dogs for staff support

"This quality improvement project aimed to assess the impact of facility dog visits on the well-being of frontline nursing staff and medical professionals, both individually and at the unit level. Respondents' comments reinforced the benefits of facility dog visits for staff wellness and resilience. Facility dog visits promote the well-being of pediatric hematology/oncology nurses, both individually and at the unit level, and should be scheduled regularly and frequently. This project highlights the importance of supporting the well-being of healthcare professionals and is relevant for individual healthcare professionals, the institutions they serve, and the patients under their care."

This is another example of One Health and how we are connected to other animals in our environment. Are there similar programs that you have used or are aware of?

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
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The program I work with, Pacific Assistance Dogs Society, places facility dogs with agencies in similar roles such as first responders, justice agencies, psychologists and others. We have found (while anecdotal - but we are excited to get some scientific data to support) that the dogs significantly help with workplace stress and mental health. We have 70 facility dogs working with agencies across Western Canada!

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Katelyn Mills
Principal Consultant
Mills Research and Consulting Services
BC
www.millsresearchandconsultingservices.ca
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-18-2024 07:02 AM
From: T' Fisher
Subject: Take time to "paws": a quality improvement project utilizing facility dogs for hospital staff support

Take time to "paws": a quality improvement project utilizing facility dogs for staff support

"This quality improvement project aimed to assess the impact of facility dog visits on the well-being of frontline nursing staff and medical professionals, both individually and at the unit level. Respondents' comments reinforced the benefits of facility dog visits for staff wellness and resilience. Facility dog visits promote the well-being of pediatric hematology/oncology nurses, both individually and at the unit level, and should be scheduled regularly and frequently. This project highlights the importance of supporting the well-being of healthcare professionals and is relevant for individual healthcare professionals, the institutions they serve, and the patients under their care."

This is another example of One Health and how we are connected to other animals in our environment. Are there similar programs that you have used or are aware of?

------------------------------
T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
------------------------------