A visit from a dog can reduce the distress of patients waiting for emergency treatment in hospital, a study by the University of Saskatchewan (USask) shows.
Patients who spent 10 minutes with a visiting therapy dog—a four-year-old springer spaniel named Murphy—reported they felt more comfortable, happier and less distressed while waiting for emergency care in hospital.
The study, published in the Patient Experience Journal, found a significant increase in comfort levels and positive feelings after spending time petting, cuddling or interacting with the experienced canine.
The study was carried out at the Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatoon, Sask.,—the first emergency department in Canada to introduce therapy dogs to improve the experience of waiting patients.
Continue reading at University of Saskatchewan.
Image via University of Saskatchewan.