title: Animal-Assisted Therapy in Pediatric Palliative Care.
abstract: Animal-assisted therapy is an emerging complementary strategy with an increasing presence in the literature. Limited studies have been conducted with children, particularly those with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. Although outcomes show promise in decreasing suffering of children receiving palliative care services, more work is needed to validate evidence to support implementation of animal-assisted therapy with this vulnerable population.
authors: Pediatric Palliative Care Research Team, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University, 417 Godchaux Hall, 461 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240, USA. Electronic address: maryjo.gilmer@vanderbilt.edu.
authors: Mary Jo
authors: MJ
authors: Gilmer
authors: School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
authors: Marissa N
authors: MN
authors: Baudino
authors: School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Tielsch Goddard
authors: Interventional Cardiology, Archbold Medical Group, Thomasville, GA, USA.
authors: Donna C
authors: DC
authors: Vickers
authors: Pediatric Palliative Care Research Team, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
authors: Terrah Foster
authors: TF
authors: Akard
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D056447:Animal Assisted Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Animal-assisted therapy; Evidence-based practice; Interventions; Palliative care; Pediatrics; Suffering