The nurses' perception regarding the implementation of animal-assisted therapy in a mental health setting.

Abstract

The perceptions of mental health nurses working at a Psychiatric Hospital in Malta about the implementation of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) were investigated through the use of an especially constructed qualitative and quantitative (mixed method) questionnaire. Few studies to date have been undertaken to explore the existing attitudes towards pets in a mental health setting, and therefore little information was available within the literature. The purpose of this study was to discover how nurses of different ages and gender perceived the thought of introducing such therapy onto mental hospital wards in Malta, and to determine whether they held positive or negative attitudes towards animals in clinical areas. Twenty three respondents, from a potential sample of 25 (n=92%), completed the 18 item questionnaire. Data collected was analysed by both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with closed questions being rated on a likert scale and percentaged, and open question data being thematically reviewed. The two approaches were then discussed in correlation to each other. Most respondents seemed reluctant to support the notion of AAT and open ended questions were completed in a limited fashion with little understanding of the importance of the human-animal bond. Although many respondents have acknowledged the physiological and psychological benefits that pets could exert on their patients, the majority of the sample disagreed with housing pets at their place of work. The results from this study show agreement when compared to the findings from the literature undertaken abroad that consistently highlight that mentally ill patients enjoy animal companionship and that this has a positive affect on their condition. This dissertation will hopefully encourage and prompt awareness on behalf of governing authorities about the impact of AAT, recommends further research in this field of study and educational awareness on the topic amongst staff working with the mentally ill. The implications of the study are that if some form of AAT is implemented it may enhance patient's lives and improve their potential for recovery.