Exploring animal-assisted interventions for veterans with PTSD
Authors:
Charlene Ong, OT, MSc (OT), CHT, Alhanouf Idrees, MSc (OT), Tavleen Kaur, MSc (OT), Maya Manimalethu, MSc (OT), Samraj Gaddam, OT, MSc (OT), & Nancy Baker, OT, ScD, MPH, FAOTA
Abstract:
Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder often face challenges integrating and developing social connectedness, decreasing their quality of life (QoL). Exploring the use of animal-assisted interventions to aid them has been a recent focus in research. This scoping review conducted a systematic search across five databases. Eight studies meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Though all studies suggested an improvement in QoL, its effects varied in duration, with some showing short-term and others indicating long-term benefits.
Key Words:
Animal-assisted interventions, Veterans with Post-traumatic stress disorder, Quality of Life