Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
2026
Faculty Mentor
Zesarae Bodie
Abstract
The utilization of animal-assisted therapy has the potential to increase patient participation, motivation, and help simulate real-life experiences to promote a successful discharge from therapy services. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to: 1) expand collaboration between occupational therapists & canine therapy handlers through use of a communication platform and 2) to create a resource outlining in-session responsibilities to facilitate partnership between occupational therapists and canine therapy handlers. Occupational therapy treatment sessions were completed using canine therapy interventions targeting mobility, engagement, and emotional regulation. The final deliverables included multiple educational resources and a platform for communication. These deliverables were reviewed and evaluated using patient-reported outcomes, therapist and handler feedback, and post-session surveys. Both the participating occupational therapists and canine therapy handlers agreed that the interaction guide was helpful in determining roles during patient interaction. Communication through the group chat was neither helpful nor harmful. Patients reported immediate relief from the presence of a therapy animal, indicating the relevance to patient care. Continued exploration of communication efforts throughout the acute care network can further promote the collaboration between occupational therapists and therapy animal handlers to provide patients with personalized rehabilitation care.
Recommended Citation
Hamke, Deanna, "Collaboration in Acute Care: Enhancing Occupational Therapy Outcomes Through Canine Therapy Integration" (2026). Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium. 108.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-elotd/108
Included in
Animal-Assisted Therapy Commons, Occupational Therapy Commons, Quality Improvement Commons