This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Hospitals should allow animals to help patients, says RCN
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is launching a nationwide protocol for animals in health care in a bid to encourage more hospitals to explore animal therapy.
Widespread research, including a recent RCN survey, has shown how animals can improve patient care, but most nurses have said that animals were not allowed in their workplace.
The RCN survey found that 82 per cent of the 750 nurses interviewed believed that animals could help patients be more physically active, while 60 per cent said they believed animals improved physical recovery.
To be launched later this year, the protocol will provide an evidence-based, best-practice criteria so that hospitals and other health settings can introduce animals into the care environment with confidence.
Amanda Cheesley, RCN Professional Lead for Long-term Conditions and End-of-Life Care, said: “Anyone who’s worked in this area can see the amazing impact animals have on the health of adults and children alike. However there are so many myths around the dangers of having animals in health care settings that most organisations are too concerned to try it out.”
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