Study shows just how important therapy dogs are in children’s hospitals

By Mark Waghorn via SWNS

Therapy dogs in children's hospitals lift the spirits of both patients and staff, according to new research.

They were used in the UK last year to calm youngsters having their COVID-19 jab.

Now, a study has shown man's best friend really does provide valuable support during traumatic medical experiences.

The most profound impacts were observed in palliative care, the Japanese team said.

Almost three quarters (73%) reported they were "very often" or "always" beneficial during the terminal phase.

Just as many said full time hospital facility dogs (HFDs) helped them gain the cooperation of a patient.

Most also said the animals improved their workload and helped children who had difficulty with schedule changes.

Children also became more expressive and communicative after being with the animals.

Lead author Natsuko Murata-Kobayashi, of Tokyo-based charity Shine On! Kids, said: "A full-time model with HFDs and nurse handlers offers several benefits for supporting patients in children's hospitals."

The findings are based on a survey of around 430 medical staff at Shizuoka Children's Hospital - of whom 270 had directly observed HFD activities.

Therapy dogs have been found to help British kids with eating disorders and learning difficulties. They have also boosted adults recovering from strokes.

Murata-Kobayashi noted the significance of terminal palliative care provided by facility dogs being highly valued by doctors and nurses.

She added: "Through accumulating evidence from research, we aim to contribute to the broader adoption of facility dogs in children's hospitals both domestically and internationally."

The study in PLOS ONE follows research showing interacting with dogs fuels the 'cuddle hormone' oxytocin - relieving stress and improving the immune system.

Patients admitted to emergency departments in Canada saw their pain levels decline by up to 43 percent after spending just a few minutes with with a spaniel named Murphy. Feelings of anxiety almost halved.

Hospital facility dogs (HFDs) are professionally-trained dogs that differ from volunteer therapy dogs in their training and work capacity.

They are typically cared for by medical professionals and go to work each day. In Japan, the first HFD team started working in 2010 at Shizuoka Children's Hospital in collaboration with the non-profit organization Shine On! Kids.