What's Happening?
Rabin Medical Center in Israel is conducting a clinical research initiative to evaluate the impact of integrating trained medical therapy dogs into the rehabilitation of patients in the acute phase after
a stroke. The program, led by senior nurse Keren Matry and a team of physiotherapists and neurologists, aims to determine whether combining standard physiotherapy with structured sessions involving therapy dogs can improve rehabilitation outcomes. The initiative builds on a four-year-old 'dog medicine' program at the hospital, which has shown promising results in enhancing patient motivation, cooperation, and mood during recovery.
Why It's Important?
The integration of therapy dogs into medical care could revolutionize rehabilitation practices, particularly for patients with neurological conditions. The presence of therapy dogs has been shown to increase oxytocin levels and decrease stress hormones, potentially accelerating recovery and improving patient outcomes. This approach could offer a complementary therapy to traditional medical treatments, providing emotional and psychological support to patients. The success of this program could lead to wider adoption in hospitals worldwide, enhancing the quality of care for patients with various medical conditions.
What's Next?
The research team at Rabin Medical Center plans to complete the study within a year and hopes to publish the findings, which could lead to formal recognition of the program. There are also plans to expand the program across the hospital, potentially integrating therapy dogs into more departments. If successful, this initiative could inspire other medical institutions to adopt similar programs, further validating the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted therapy in medical settings.
