Professional paper

https://doi.org/10.21860/medflum2022_284699

Therapy dog in the rehabilitation of children with disabilities – opinions and expectations of parents and professionals

Renata Karnjuš ; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Zavod za fizikalnu i rehabilitacijsku medicinu, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Mirjam Brenčić Cindrić ; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Zavod za fizikalnu i rehabilitacijsku medicinu, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Marina Bodul ; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Zavod za fizikalnu i rehabilitacijsku medicinu, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Katarina Šarić ; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Zavod za fizikalnu i rehabilitacijsku medicinu, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Jasmina Tumpa Tambić ; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Zavod za fizikalnu i rehabilitacijsku medicinu, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Tea Schnurrer-Luke-Vrbanić ; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Zavod za fizikalnu i rehabilitacijsku medicinu, Rijeka, Hrvatska

Abstract

Aim: The objectives of this study are to examine the opinions and expectations of parents and professionals involved in the rehabilitation of children on the use of therapy dogs in the rehabilitation of children with disabilities, the impact on motivation, mental, social and motor developmental aspects. Subjects and methods: The study included 133 subjects divided into two groups: a group of parents of children with disabilities (n = 53) and a group of experts involved in the rehabilitation process with children with developmental difficulties (n = 80). The questionnaires were developed and designed in electronic form, on an online platform and contained statements to which respondents responded using the Likert scale (1 – strongly disagree; 5 – strongly agree). Results: Parents (x = 4,64 ± sd = 0,71) as well as experts (x = 4,75 ± sd = 0,70) agree with the statement that a therapy dog can help motivate a child in rehabilitation. Respondents also believe that a therapy dog could help and influence several developmental aspects in children with disabilities: the psychological development of the child (parents x = 4,7 ± sd = 0.57 vs. experts x = 4.7 ± sd = 0.72), the development of social skills parents x = 4.58 ± sd = 0.63 vs. x = 4.67 ± sd = 0.74 experts) and on the development of motor skills (parents x = 4,45 ± sd = 0.82 vs. experts x = 4.7 ± sd = 0.7). Parents of children with disabilities (x = 4.89 ± sd = 0.37) as well as experts (x = 4.79 ± sd = 0.61) believe that it is desirable to develop and spread a therapeutic approach with a dog. Conclusion: In Croatia, parents of children with disabilities as well as experts have a positive opinions and optimistic expectations towards the introduction of a therapy dog in rehabilitation.

Keywords

animal assisted therapy; disabled children; therapy animals

Hrčak ID:

284699

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/284699

Publication date:

1.12.2022.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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