Robotic animal-assisted therapy: Improving individuals' quality of life.

Buntich, Jordan and Gonzalez, Marissa and Miranda, Stephanie and Vu, Tuyen (2022) Robotic animal-assisted therapy: Improving individuals' quality of life. Masters thesis, Stanbridge University.

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Abstract

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is an intervention strategy that assists clients in increasing their physical capabilities and interactions within their social environment (Kerulo et al., 2020). AAT has been shown to be a beneficial intervention for individuals with developmental disabilities. However, studies have suggested concerns in implementing AAT such as the welfare of therapy animals, proper certification of handlers, lack of standardization in occupational therapy (OT) practice, and limited accessibility. This study is aimed at understanding whether robotic animal-assisted therapy (RAAT) can be a beneficial preparatory intervention or suitable replacement when AAT is not a viable option. Professionals from the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP) were recruited, along with members from multiple AAT private and public Facebook groups. Participants completed an anonymous online semi-structured survey via SurveyMonkey, a platform for collecting data, with questions regarding consent, level of education, experience with RAAT, barriers with therapy animals, and AAT standardization. Of the 15 participants, 14 met the inclusion criteria and filled out the survey. The data collected was analyzed using Dedoose software to identify common themes in qualitative responses. The results of this study provide various perspectives from professionals in different settings on the benefits of AAT, current Animal-Assisted Intervention International (AAII) standard regulation, and the implication for the utilization of RAAT. The data indicated that although the majority of the participants have not incorporated RAAT into practice, the participants believed that RAAT can be an alternative or preparatory intervention when interaction with live animals is not possible. The data collected further contribute to an emerging niche setting. Key Words: animal-assisted therapy (AAT), robotic animal-assisted therapy (RAAT), Animal-Assisted Interventions International (AAII), animal-assisted intervention practitioners (AAIP), Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Practitioners (AAAIP), occupational therapy (OT), occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social skills, developmental disabilities

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Uncontrolled Keywords: MSOTOC011.14
Subjects: R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Depositing User: Kareena Yashko
Date Deposited: 13 Jun 2024 17:14
Last Modified: 13 Jun 2024 17:14
URI: http://repository.stanbridge.edu/id/eprint/154

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