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. 2024 Mar 6:6:100189.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2024.100189. eCollection 2024 Jun.

The development of the PET@home toolkit: An experience-based co-design method study

Peter W A Reniers  1 , Karin Hediger  1   2 , Ine J N Declercq  1   3 , Marie-José Enders-Slegers  1 , Roeslan Leontjevas  1   3 , Debby L Gerritsen  1   3
Affiliations

The development of the PET@home toolkit: An experience-based co-design method study

Peter W A Reniers et al. Int J Nurs Stud Adv. .

Abstract

Objective: The relevance of pets in long-term home care is increasingly recognised because of their effects on health outcomes in clients and the rising number of clients receiving long-term care at home (further referred to as clients receiving home care). Currently, there is a lack of supportive materials that address pet-related challenges within home care. This study aimed to develop a toolkit for clients receiving home care with pets, their family, and professional caregivers using a participatory research approach.

Methods: We used the Experience-Based Co-Design method involving clients receiving home care, family caregivers, and professional caregivers to create tools that are based on both theory and practice. This approach consists of four phases: 1) Exploring topics of emotional significance requiring attention (i.e., key moments) from the perspective of clients receiving home care, family caregivers, and professional caregivers; 2) Collaboratively prioritising these topics, through prioritisation meetings; 3) Developing and refining Toolkit materials through a co-design process; and 4) Evaluating the quality and feasibility of these materials.

Results: Based on the results of a previously-conducted systematic review and individual interviews, we developed a preliminary information booklet and conversation cards. Subsequently, we conducted a total of 28 semi-structured interviews and seven focus groups, including one with representatives of animal interest organisations, such as veterinarians. This process led to the PET@home Toolkit which includes various materials to support pet ownership in home care settings, such as leaflets with advice on communication and animal welfare and an infographic.

Conclusion: The PET@home Toolkit can support professional caregivers and their pet-owning clients receiving home care, family caregivers, and their pets. It may be a valuable addition to providing person-centred care in long-term care at home for clients with pets. The PET@home Toolkit and future updates will be readily available and free to download from May 2024 via the University Knowledge Network for Older Adult Care Nijmegen (www.ukonnetwerk.nl).

Tweetable abstract: The PET@home Toolkit: Supporting pet ownership in long-term care at home.

Keywords: Community care; Experience-based co-design; Home care; Long-term care; Person-Centred Care; Pets; Toolkit.

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Conflict of interest statement

None.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig. 1
The experience-based co-design process.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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