PhysioUpdate 12th October 2021


Dog's visits to an intensive care unit motivated patients and staff, claims physiotherapist

Allowing a trained dog with a volunteer handler to visit an NHS intensive care unit (ICU) in Leicester proved to be a big hit among patents, staff and visitors alike, according to an article published in a specialist physiotherapy journal.

The article, which appears in the current issue of the Journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care, was written by Ruth Johnson, an ICU physiotherapist at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

 

The visiting dog and handler had links with Pets as Therapy, which supplied this image

Ms Johnson’s article helps to plug something of a gap in the field, because the benefits of animal assisted interventions (AAIs) – defined as interventions between an animal and a patient during a medical, nursing or therapeutic procedure – have rarely been researched in critical care settings.

The dog, which a recent Twitter post from Ms Johnson suggests is called Cilla, was accompanied by a handler from a charity called Pets as Therapy.

No hygiene concerns

After the visits, most of which lasted fewer than 20 minutes with individual patients and were conducted on a weekly or fortnightly basis, questionnaires (which included a 10-point rating scale and invited written comments) were circulated to two groups: patients and visitors, and members of staff.

Summarising the responses received from 47 individuals, Ms Johnson writes: ‘There were no concerns in relation to the dog’s presentation, welfare, cleanliness or handling highlighted by responders.’

An overwhelming majority of patients and visitors said they had enjoyed the experience, with 83 per cent of them giving it the highest possible rating. A slightly lower percentage of staff (70 per cent) gave the same maximum score when asked to rate patients’ enjoyment levels, but three quarters of respondents (75 per cent) from both groups said they had found the experience to be ‘highly beneficial’.

Almost all (95 per cent) of respondents said they recommended that the AAI service should be introduced in other wards and hospitals.

The paper continues: 'The volunteer determined the length of the interaction dependent on the behaviour of the dog, person(s) involved and perceived benefit for all.

'Most interactions were less than 20 minutes long. The interaction involved verbal communication and touching the dog during periods of rest, delivery of care or treatment. The maximum total length of time the dog visited was 120 minutes on any one day, with regular welfare breaks for the dog.'

 

'Amazing interaction' noted by physio

EVERYWHERE should have this input. Nothing but positive experience and outcomes for all involved – patients, visitors and staff [nurse respondent]

One man said the dog’s presence had led to his partner walking ‘for the first time in days’. And a physiotherapist reported: ‘The therapy dog visited ITU today, the patient walked to (the dog) as her goal and this was amazing. The interaction between the patient and (the dog) was very emotional. This was an amazing way of encouraging mobility,’ the physiotherapist added.

A staff nurse’s comments showed that it was not just the patients who received some welcome stimulation from the dog’s visits. ‘EVERYWHERE should have this input. Nothing but positive experience and outcomes for all involved – patients, visitors and staff.'

The nurse added: ‘Staff actively look forward to the visit. And is often used as motivation and something to look forward to for patients.’

A doctor felt more compassionate

This perceived boost to the staff’s feelings of wellbeing was reinforced by the enthusiastic comments from a doctor on the unit, who said: ‘I really hope (the dog) will visit regularly during the winter pressures as I think staff will benefit so much, helping us all stay well for our patients.’

On a personal level, the doctor added that ‘the dog helped me to de-stress and helped me to deliver better, more compassionate care for our patient’.

Overcoming 'dehumanisation' effects

Ms Johnson’s article points out that significant numbers of patients who survive a critical illness go on to develop a condition known as post-intensive care syndrome.

Citing previous findings and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline recommendations on critical care practice, she notes: ‘In modern critical care medicine, the promotion of recovery, over mere survival, for both physical and non-physical domains, is the main rehabilitation objective.’

Researchers have suggested that critical care patients require personalised rehabilitation prescriptions to meet their individual physical and non-physical needs, the article stresses.

Patients are at risk of ‘dehumanisation’, which can ‘negatively impact on patient engagement and interest in their own well-being during the rehabilitative phase’, Ms Johnson adds.

This evaluation identifies that a service providing AAIs to adult patients in ICU is safe and feasible ... it highlights additional perceived benefits for visitors, staff and patients [Ruth Johnson]

Ms Johnson suggests that the study could provide a basis for further research on AAI initiatives. She admits that a study of this nature cannot rule out bias, particularly as, in this case, the dog handler was also the researcher.

Allergy taken into account

Apparently, no one raised objections in advance regarding the dog’s visits – most of which took place during afternoon visiting hours. ‘Potential risks were identified during a pre-visit telephone call on the day of the visit. One staff member highlighted a mild dog allergy and the handler ensured that there was no contact between the dog and this staff member.’

In her conclusion, Ms Johnson writes: 'This evaluation identifies that a service providing AAIs to adult patients in ICU is safe and feasible. It highlights additional perceived benefits for visitors, staff and patients. In addition, a number of recommendations for service development and future research have been highlighted.’

To read the full version of Ms Johnson’s article, visit: https://www.acprc.org.uk/data/Journal_Downloads/JournalVol53Issue22021.pdf

To find out more about the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care, visit: https://www.acprc.org.uk

For more information about Pets as Therapy, visit: https://petsastherapy.org

 



Academics and engineers exploit new technologies to make shorter rehabilitation times a reality
Kareema Hilton holds elements of the flexible design created through additive manufacturing

Ambitious plans to use virtual reality technology to help patients with dystonia, strokes and sports injuries have been unveiled by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).

Academic and engineering experts from the University of Strathclyde and NMIS are linking up with a range of international agencies to reduce rehabilitation times by up to 30 per cent, it was announced today (24 September).  

With research studies showing that patients’ rehabilitation goals can be hampered because traditional programmes are insufficiently stimulating or speedy, the initiative has huge potential, NMIS claims. See: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19514635

The project leaders also hope that the physical demands currently being placed on physiotherapists and occupational therapists could be reduced by harnessing the latest technological advances.

Virtual support

Using a ‘level-based system’, patients make progress through completing online games, with staff tracking their progress using gaming data and offering support virtually.

Patients follow personalised activities that are created according to their unique set of cognitive and physical impairments, and develop upper body motor skills using their arms, wrists, hands and fingers.

For example, those with dystonia can practise pouring water into a glass in the virtual world so that they won’t spill a drop in reality.

3D printing

A company called Loud1Design is helping to develop the virtual programme and a create prototype bespoke video game controller. This will be custom-made for each patient, according to his or her condition and personal needs. A manufacturing process, which uses a form of 3D printing in which an object is built one thin layer at a time, will allow for customisation.

Coordinated by the University of Pisa, the project's partners include the universities of Malta and Oulu (in Finland), University College London, and others in the industry. Saint James Hospital in Malta, Kinisiforo and NicoMed rehabilitation centre in Cyprus (https://nicomedrehab.com/kinisiforo), and the Global Disability Innovation Hub (https://www.disabilityinnovation.com) are providing patient requirements and will monitor progress when the prototypes are complete. 

The use of additive manufacturing demonstrates the benefits of a flexible design that can be made bespoke to an individual user – in this case to support an individual’s physical needs to assist rehabilitation [Kareema Hilton, NMIS]

Kareema Hilton, manufacturing engineer at the NMIS said: ‘This is a fantastic project that is allowing us to use developments within digital technology to potentially improve healthcare. The use of additive manufacturing demonstrates the benefits of a flexible design that can be made bespoke to an individual user – in this case to support an individual’s physical needs to assist rehabilitation.’

Andrew Wodehouse, senior lecturer at the department of design, manufacturing and engineering management at the University of Strathclyde, said: ‘The outcome of this project will make the long recovery process more engaging while permitting the patient’s performance to be recorded accurately, allowing specific and measurable goals to accelerate rehabilitation time.

‘We are all looking forward to the completion of the project, as it will provide a significant milestone for interactive technology in improving physical health and performance.'

The initiative is funded by the European Commission as part of Horizon 2020, which aims to encourage economic growth through research. The two-year PRIME-VR2 project will create a digital environment using virtual reality in rehabilitation programmes.

At least three physiotherapists are members of the PRIME-VR2 team: Chara Vasiliou, who works at the Nicomed Rehabilitation Centre in Limassol with patients with stroke and other neurological conditions; Milos Stanisavljevic, who is responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of Planet Health International at Saint James Hospital in Malta; and Andreas Ioannou, who works at the Nicomed Rehabilitation Centre with patients who have had a stroke and with children with cerebral palsy. 

For more information about NMIS, visit: www.nmis.scot

Project website: http://prime-vr2.eu

Project video: https://youtu.be/BAXio2igIBM

 



Want to receive newsletters?


FREE membership

Join Us

Sign up today for membership and get...

✓ Regular newsletters
✓ Full website access
✓ Sponsor Benefits

We’ll keep you connected so you’ll NEVER MISS AN UPDATE!

Join Here

Previous newsletters


PhysioUpdate News 28th March 2024
PhysioUpdate News 26th March 2024
PhysioUpdate News 21st March 2024
PhysioUpdate News 19th March 2024
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 14th March 2024
PhysioUpdate News 12th March 2024
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 7th March 2024
PhysioUpdate News 5th March 2024
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 29th February 2024
PhysioUpdate News 27th February 2024
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 26th February 2024
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 22nd February 2024
PhysioUpdate News 20th February 2024
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 15th February 2024
PhysioUpdate News 13th February 2024
PhysioUpdate News 6th February 2024
PhysioUpdate News 30th January 2024
PhysioUpdate News 25th January 2024
PhysioUpdate News 23rd January 2024
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 18th January 2024
PhysioUpdate News 16th January 2024
PhysioUpdate News 9th January 2024
PhysioUpdate News 4th January 2024
PhysioUpdate News 28th December 2023
PhysioUpdate News 19th December 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 14th December 2023
PhysioUpdate News 12th December 2023
PhysioUpdate News 7th December 2023
PhysioUpdate News 5th December 2023
PhysioUpdate News 30th November 2023
PhysioUpdate News 28th November 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 23rd November 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 22nd November 2023
PhysioUpdate News 21st November 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 16th November 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 15th November 2023
PhysioUpdate News 14th November 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 9th November 2023
PhysioUpdate News 7th November 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 2nd November 2023
PhysioUpdate News 31st October 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 26th October 2023
PhysioUpdate News 24th October 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 19th October 2023
PhysioUpdate News 17th October 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 12th October 2023
PhysioUpdate News 10th October 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 5th October 2023
PhysioUpdate News 3rd October 2023
PhysioUpdate News 28th September 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 26th September 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 21st September 2023
PhysioUpdate News 19th September 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 14th September 2023
PhysioUpdate News 31st August 2023
PhysioUpdate News 29th August 2023
PhysioUpdate News 24th August 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 17th August 2023
PhysioUpdate News 15th August 2023
PhysioUpdate News 10th August 2023
PhysioUpdate News 8th August 2023
PhysioUpdate News 3rd August 2023
PhysioUpdate News 1st August 2023
PhysioUpdate News 25th July 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 20th July 2023
PhysioUpdate 18th July 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 13th July 2023
PhysioUpdate 11th July 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 6th July 2023
PhysioUpdate 4th July 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 29th June 2023
PhysioUpdate 27th June 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 22nd June 2023
PhysioUpdate 20th June 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 15th June 2023
PhysioUpdate 13th June 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 8th June 2023
PhysioUpdate 6th June 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 1st June 2023
PhysioUpdate 30th May 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 25th May 2023
PhysioUpdate 23rd May 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 19th May 2023
PhysioUpdate 16th May 2023
PhysioUpdate Partner News 11th May 2023
PhysioUpdate 9th May 2023
PhysioUpdate 4th May 2023
BOOK OF THE MONTH - May 2023
PhysioUpdate 25th April 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 20th April 2023
PhysioUpdate 18th April 2023
PhysioUpdate 11th April 2023
PhysioUpdate Partner News
PhysioUpdate 28th March 2023
PhysioUpdate 23rd March 2023
PhysioUpdate 21st March 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 16th March 2023
PhysioUpdate 14th March 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 9th March 2023
PhysioUpdate 7th March 2023
PhysioUpdate 2nd March 2023
PhysioUpdate 28th February 2023
PhysioUpdate 23rd February 2023
PhysioUpdate 21st February 2023
PhysioUpdate 16th February 2023
PhysioUpdate 14th February 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 9th February 2023
PhysioUpdate 7th February 2023
PhysioUpdate 2nd February 2023
PhysioUpdate 31st January 2023
PhysioUpdate 30th January 2023
PhysioUpdate 24th January 2023
PhysioUpdate 19th January 2023
PhysioUpdate 18th January 2023
PhysioUpdate 17th January 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 12th January 2023
PhysioUpdate 10th January 2023
PhysioUpdate 3rd January 2023
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 22nd December 2022
PhysioUpdate 20th December 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 15th December 2022
PhysioUpdate 13th December 2022
PhysioUpdate 8th December 2022
PhysioUpdate 6th December 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 1st December 2022
PhysioUpdate 29th November 2022
PhysioUpdate 24th November 2022
PhysioUpdate 22nd November 2022
PhysioUpdate 15th November 2022
PhysioUpdate 10th November 2022
PhysioUpdate 8th November 2022
PhysioUpdate 3rd November 2022
PhysioUpdate 25th October 2022
PhysioUpdate 18th October 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 13th October 2022
PhysioUpdate 11th October 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 6th October 2022
PhysioUpdate 4th October 2022
PhysioUpdate 29th September 2022
PhysioUpdate 27th September 2022
PhysioUpdate 20th September 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 15th September 2022
PhysioUpdate 14th September 2022
PhysioUpdate 13th September 2022
PhysioUpdate 8th September 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 6th September 2022
PhysioUpdate 30th August 2022
PhysioUpdate 23rd August 2022
PhysioUpdate 16th August 2022
PhysioUpdate 11th August 2022
PhysioUpdate 9th August 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 4th August 2022
PhysioUpdate 2nd August 2022
PhysioUpdate 1st August 2022
PhysioUpdate 28th July 2022
PhysioUpdate 26th July 2022
PhysioUpdate 21st July 2022
PhysioUpdate 19th July 2022
PhysioUpdate 14th July 2022
PhysioUpdate 12th July 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 7th July 2022
PhysioUpdate 5th July 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 30th June 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 23rd June 2022
PhysioUpdate 21st June 2022
PhysioUpdate 16th June 2022
PhysioUpdate 7th June 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 6th June 2022
PhysioUpdate 1st June 2022
PhysioUpdate 24th May 2022
PhysioUpdate 19th May 2022
PhysioUpdate 17th May 2022
PhysioUpdate 12th May 2022
PhysioUpdate 10th May 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 5th May 2022
PhysioUpdate 3rd May 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 28th April 2022
PhysioUpdate 26th April 2022
PhysioUpdate 19th April 2022
PhysioUpdate 14th April 2022
PhysioUpdate 12th April 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 7th April 2022
PhysioUpdate 5th April 2022
PhysioUpdate 31st March 2022
PhysioUpdate 29th March 2022
PhysioUpdate 22nd March 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 17th March 2022
PhysioUpdate 15th March 2022
PhysioUpdate 8th March 2022
PhysioUpdate 3rd March 2022
PhysioUpdate 1st March 2022
PhysioUpdate 22nd February 2022
PhysioUpdate 17th February 2022
PhysioUpdate 15th February 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 10th February 2022
PhysioUpdate 8th February 2022
PhysioUpdate 3rd February 2022
PhysioUpdate 1st February 2022
PhysioUpdate 25th January 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 20th January 2022
PhysioUpdate 18th January 2022
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 13th January 2022
PhysioUpdate 11th January 2022
PhysioUpdate 28th December 2021
PhysioUpdate 21st December 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 16th December 2021
PhysioUpdate 14th December 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 9th December 2021
PhysioUpdate 7th December 2021
PhysioUpdate 30th November 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 25th November 2021
PhysioUpdate 23rd November 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 18th November 2021
PhysioUpdate 16th November 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 11th November 2021
PhysioUpdate 9th November 2021
PhysioUpdate 2nd November 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 28th October 2021
PhysioUpdate 26th October 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 21st October 2021
PhysioUpdate 19th October 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 14th October 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 7th October 2021
PhysioUpdate 5th October 2021
PhysioUpdate 28th September 2021
PhysioUpdate 21st September 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 16th September 2021
PhysioUpdate 14th September 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 9th September 2021
PhysioUpdate 7th September 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 2nd September 2021
PhysioUpdate 24th August 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 19th August 2021
PhysioUpdate 17th August 2021
PhysioUpdate 3rd August 2021
PhysioUpdate 27th July 2021
PhysioUpdate 20th July 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 15th July 2021
PhysioUpdate 13th July 2021
PhysioUpdate 6th July 2021
PhysioUpdate 29th June 2021
PhysioUpdate 22nd June 2021
PhysioUpdate Suppliers News 18th June
PhysioUpdate 15th June 2021
PhysioUpdate 8th June 2021
PhysioUpdate 2nd June 2021
PhysioUpdate 4th May 2021
PhysioUpdate 27th April 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 22nd April
PhysioUpdate 6th April 2021
PhysioUpdate 30th March 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 25th March
PhysioUpdate 23rd March 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 18th March 2021
PhysioUpdate 16th March 2021
PhysioUpdate 9th March 2021
PhysioUpdate 2nd March 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 25th February
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 18th February
PhysioUpdate 16th February 2021
PhysioUpdate 2nd February 2021
PhysioUpdate Supplier News 21st January
PhysioUpdate 19th January 2021
PhysioUpdate 5th January 2021
PhysioUpdate 22nd December 2020
Industry News
9 December 2020
By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.