To help pass the time while waiting to see healthcare providers, patients are often supplied with magazines, children's books, television monitors, and other distractions.

 

For some patients who want more interaction, the new SPOT (Special Pets Offering Therapy) program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) may be just what the doctor ordered.

 

In July, UAMS began offering animal therapy visits for patients in specially designated areas.

 

"The aim of our program is to offer joy, comfort and companionship to patients through interaction with these pet partner teams," said Gloria Wright, director of UAMS volunteer services, who modeled the pet therapy program after one established by Arkansas Children's Hospital.

 

Before starting the new program, which matches handlers and certified dogs with patients who want to spend time with a trained pet, UAMS wanted to make sure features were in place that exceeded those required by facilities such as nursing homes. For example, the program's health, safety and training requirements promote the well-being of patients and handler teams, such as making sure pets have baths within 48 hours of a visit.

 

The Delta Society, a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing training, certification and support to those volunteering in pet therapy areas, provides certification for volunteer animal assisted activities for all UAMS pet partner teams. The society's animal therapy program works with 3,000 facilities worldwide. Stringent certification requirements include the satisfactory completion of a pet partner team training course, health screening of the animal, evaluation of the handler and animal team, and registration and certification.

 

"I've been with UAMS for four years, and when I took this position, a good friend, Meredith Catlett, said, 'when you're ready to start a pet therapy program, let me know and I'll help you,'" said Wright. "A couple of years ago, I thought we should look at it, and Meredith and her dog, Tallulah, became our first pet partner team. Everyone loves Tallulah. She's so tall and regal and fun to pet."

 

Across the country, animals have been visiting hospitals, nursing homes and rehab centers to help patients for more than 30 years, said Wright, pointing out that more than 1 million animal therapy visits take place annually.

 

"Medical professionals are increasingly aware of the soothing and therapeutic effects animals can have on various patient populations," she said. "A growing number of clinical studies have shown that animals can contribute to physiological well being, including reductions in blood pressure and anxiety levels and survival after myocardial infarction."

 

In an acute care situation where patients are uncomfortable or anxious, the ability to touch a calm, warm animal may be particularly valuable, Wright said.

 

"In physical, occupational and speech therapy programs, animals are tremendously helpful in motivating patients to work on exercises that improve fine motor, wheelchair and verbal skills," she said, noting that UAMS plans to expand the pet therapy program in the second phase for physical therapy patients.

 

Hospitals benefit from the pet therapy program by increased patient motivation, cost-effective treatment, increased patient and staff satisfaction, improved clinical outcomes, and faster recovery times.

 

"It's fun to see employees' reaction," said Wright. "They'll stop and visit and tell their stories. It makes such a difference in their day. You see them light up."

 

On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., the certified animals visit designated patient floors. For now, the program is limited to the orthopedic and geriatric floors. The dogs are crated at all times when traveling through lobbies, hallways or elevators. They do not go into patient rooms.

 

"Therapy sessions take place in family waiting areas on the patient floors," explained Wright. "Once inside, animals are kept on leashes at all times and are only allowed near patients who have been issued doctor's orders to participate in a therapy session."

 

By fall, five pet partner teams should be in place.

 

"The cost to UAMS is minimal because these people love what they do so much, they're willing to bear the brunt of it," said Wright. "We incur the cost of TB skin tests, volunteer uniforms, the pet's harness, crate and badge. It's always fun to bring in the dog to be photographed for their badge."

 

Before the weekly pet partner visits, the floor staffs check with doctors to determine who would benefit from pet therapy, Wright said.

 

"It may be a patient that typically doesn't have visitors, or one that's depressed, or perhaps a tired caregiver," she said. "One man told Tallulah, 'this is the first time I've been out of my bed, and I came to see you.' Everyone acts like they've never seen a dog before because it's so unique to see an animal in a hospital. It takes people to a different place."

 

Typically, the dog visits with three or four patients in an hour, either individually and with two patients at once.

 

"It's not just the pet that's part of the therapy," said Wright. "Meredith is such a people person that in a very soft and quiet tone, she'll initiate what becomes a wonderful conversation that swirls around the meeting between the patient and the pet."