Understanding if and how therapy Dog-Handler teams benefit emergency department patients with Mental Health concerns

Alexandria Pavelich

Impact

  • Therapy dogs are now welcomed back into the Royal University Hospital Emergency Department (RUH ED), ending a hiatus that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Preliminary findings highlight how animal-assisted interventions improve the patient experience in ED settings, particularly for individuals facing mental health challenges, including substance use and suicidality.

  • Confirmed findings align with existing research on the benefits of therapy dogs in institutional settings, further validating their role in supporting mental health.

  • Broader impacts observed include:

    • Increased staff requests for therapy dog visits in additional areas of the hospital.

    • Growing interest in a Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF)-funded study to examine the impact of therapy dog programs on staff well-being and burnout.

    • St. John Ambulance National invited the research team to present findings federally to inform the development of similar programs in emergency departments across Canada.

    • Ongoing dissemination of findings aims to secure recognition from government, industry, and community partners, emphasizing the value of therapy dog-handler teams in enhancing patient and staff experiences in high-stress healthcare environments.

  • Saskatchewan

  • Studentship

  • University of Saskatchewan

  • Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital, St John Ambulance

  • Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF)

  • 2022-2023

  • Therapy and Rehabilitation

  • People with disabilities, Patients

About the Project

This project evaluated the role of St. John Ambulance therapy dog-handler teams (TDs) in addressing mental health challenges and improving the emergency department (ED) experience at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon. The research focused on two key areas:

  1. the impact of TDs on patients presenting with mental health concerns, including substance use, and

  2. the effects of TD interactions on ED staff and the overall work environment.

Methodology

The study involved 62 therapy dog visits over three months, with interactions lasting 15–20 minutes per patient. Data collection included 60 hours of ethnographic observations, 28 in-depth interviews, demographic surveys, and ongoing discussions with therapy dog handlers. Pre-screened patients presenting with mental health or substance use concerns were selected to ensure safety and suitability. The research employed institutional ethnography and a One Health framework, combining participant observations and interviews to explore human-animal-environment interactions. A patient-oriented approach was integral, centering lived experiences to generate participant-focused insights.

Findings

  • Therapy dogs significantly improved mood, provided comfort and reduced isolation for patients with mental health concerns and/or with concurrent substance use.

  • Patients expressed that these teams bring joy and happiness, offer calming and comforting interactions, act as a positive distraction that aids in relaxation and provide a sense of hope and connection, particularly in the often-isolating environment of the Emergency Department (ED).

  • Observational data noted visible improvements in patients’ verbal expressions, behavior and mood, along with enhanced social interactions and communication pathways

  • Staff members at the hospitals reported overtly positive feedback and found interactions with therapy dog teams to be a source of momentary stress relief, contributing to improved communication among the staff.

Project Outreach

This project was based in Saskatchewan and the researcher and her supervisor have been requested by St John Ambulance National to present out study federally to help inform other therapy dog programs how to successfully conduct similar work in other EDs across Canada.

Resources Created