Rev. Soc. Bras. Enferm. Ped.2022;22:eSOBEP2022013.
Quasi-magic wand effect: the use of animal-assisted therapy in pediatrics
DOI: 10.31508/1676-379320220013
Abstract
Objective
to identify nurses’ knowledge about animal-assisted therapy in pediatrics.
Methods
descriptive exploratory research with a qualitative approach, conducted between June and July 2019 with 148 nurses members of the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Nurses. Data was electronically collected, and thematic analysis was performed.
Results
Nurses knew about animal-assisted therapy and considered it important for humanizing the process of pediatric hospitalization. They described scientific evidence supporting the positive results of children’s and adolescents’ physiological and behavioural changes. A “quasi-magic wand effect” was reported after using this simple assistance technology. Such technology was cited as a ludic approach, similar to therapeutic play.
Conclusion
Nurses recognized the importance of animal-assisted therapy as a tool of humanization during the recovery of hospitalized children and adolescents, which could assist in their clinical and psychological improvement.