The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46784

Lynn Carson, PhD, CHES, Department of Health, West Chester University, South New Street, West Chester University, PA 19383, 610 436 2138, lcarson@wcupa.edu

Introduction: Service animals are versatile, reliable assistants for people with disablities. No longer limited to guiding people with visual impairments, service animals perform a wide variety of tasks suitable as interventions for an equally wide assortment of disablities. It is important for health practitioners to understand how animals can help improve the quality of life for people with disablities. Objective: To validate the significant purpose that animals serve in people's health and well being, the objective of this presentation is to enable participants to gain a thorough understanding of the role of service animals in improving the quality of life for disabled individuals. Methods: Interviews and focus groups were completed to determine if the quality of individual lives were improved through the use of service animals. Additionally, the role of therapy animals in nursing homes, classrooms, and residential facilities were examined through observation visits, focus groups, and interviews. Trainers and volunteers were also included in the project to provide an overview of experiences with animals as they move through the training process to assume the service role. Results: The data from this research served as a foundation for the development of a new graduate public health course. "Service Animals in the Health Professions" is designed to provide health practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to incorporate service animals into the delivery of health care. This course introduces nurses, allied health professionals, health educators, and therapists to the various roles animals play in the delivery of care to individuals in need.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to

• describe the need for service animals in promoting the well-being and independence of persons with disablities.
• identify the role of public health practitioners in promoting the utlization of service animals.
• describe the need for a course that introduces health professionals to the variety of services provided by animals for persons with special needs.

Keywords: Disability, Disability Studies

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.