22.06.17
RCN to launch first-ever protocol for using animals in healthcare
The first-ever health protocol for how animals can be used in healthcare will be launched by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) later this year.
It is hoped that the protocol will enable hospitals to introduce animals into the care environment to help patients with recovery and make hospital visits less daunting.
The RCN announced the protocol at a public lecture yesterday. It comes after a survey of RCN members found that many nurses strongly supported the use of animals in a care setting, despite them not being allowed in many hospitals.
In the survey, it was found that 90% of nurses believed that animals could improve the health of patients with depression and other mental health problems, whilst 82% thought that animals could make patients more active. And 60% stated that the they think the presence of animals could speed up recovery.
Despite the clinical benefit, the survey showed that a quarter of staff reported animals not being allowed where they worked.
The protocol will be developed by the RCN along with expert charities and a variety of health organisations, and will be led by the RCN’s professional lead for long-term conditions and end-of-life care Amanda Cheesley.
“Anyone who’s worked in this area can see the amazing impact animals have on the health of adults and children alike,” Cheesley said. “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.
“This protocol will help to dispel these fears by supporting hospitals to include animals in the care they deliver in a safe and professional way,” she added. “We hope that it will encourage all health services to consider how animals can help their patients and help us to remove the taboo from what is a really remarkable area of care.”
Top Image: RCN
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