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. 2020 Jan-Dec:19:1534735420943278.
doi: 10.1177/1534735420943278.

A Systematic Literature Review of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Oncology (Part I): Methods and Results

Timothy R N Holder  1   2 , Margaret E Gruen  2 , David L Roberts  2 , Tamara Somers  3 , Alper Bozkurt  1   2
Affiliations

A Systematic Literature Review of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Oncology (Part I): Methods and Results

Timothy R N Holder et al. Integr Cancer Ther. 2020 Jan-Dec.

Abstract

Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) use human-animal interactions to positive effect in various contexts including cancer care. As the first installment of a 2-part series, this systematic literature review focuses on the research methods and quantitative results of AAI studies in oncology. We find methodological consistency in the use of canines as therapy animals, in the types of high-risk patients excluded from studies, and in the infection precautions taken with therapy animals throughout cancer wards. The investigated patient endpoints are not significantly affected by AAI, with the exceptions of improvements in oxygen consumption, quality of life, depression, mood, and satisfaction with therapy. The AAI field in oncology has progressed significantly since its inception and has great potential to positively affect future patient outcomes. To advance the field, future research should consistently improve the methodological design of studies, report data more completely, and focus more on the therapy animal's well-being.

Keywords: animal-assisted activities; animal-assisted interventions; animal-assisted therapy; cancer; human-animal bond; oncology; quantitative.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Flowchart depicting the article selection process for this review.
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