Therapy Dogs Bring Comfort to ICU Patients
In the bustling environment of the intensive care unit, a moment of joy is a precious gift. For Joel Bueno, that gift came wagging its tail and bearing unconditional love. The 34-year-old patient, admitted to The Hospital del Mar in Barcelona due to a blood clot, experienced an emotional uplift when therapy dogs Vida and Lu entered his room. The presence of these compassionate canines brought Bueno to tears, as he was reminded of his own dog waiting for him at home.
“It’s great to have someone that loves you more than anything else in the world,” Bueno expressed with a smile, acknowledging the pure affection he received from his furry visitors. This heartwarming interaction is part of a pioneering trial aimed at enhancing the emotional well-being of patients in intensive care units (ICU). The initiative is a collaboration between The Hospital del Mar and the Affinity Foundation, an organization dedicated to pet therapy.
Patients enrolled in the program look forward to twice-weekly visits from their four-legged friends, each lasting between 15 to 20 minutes. “For now it’s just a perception, but it seems to us that there’s a benefit for patients,” commented Lucia Picazo, an ICU doctor involved in the project. To scientifically measure the impact, the team will analyze saliva samples from patients before and after therapy sessions, checking for changes in stress and well-being indicators such as cortisol, oxytocin, and serotonin levels.
The benefits of this trial extend beyond the patients. Staff members throughout the emergency ward have also embraced the presence of the therapy dogs. Maribel Vida, who oversees Affinity’s animal therapy projects, noted the positive effect on the hospital team as they bond with the visiting canines.
Bueno’s experience is a testament to the potential of this trial. The mere anticipation of a visit from the therapy dogs provided an immediate boost to his morale. As this innovative trial continues, it holds the promise of not only brightening days but also providing tangible health benefits for those facing challenging times in the ICU.
