Abstract
ObjectivesAnimal-assisted therapy with dogs is regularly used in children with behavioural and developmental disorders. Aims of this systematic review were threefold: to analyse the methodological quality of studies on dog-assisted therapy (DAT) for children with behavioural and developmental disorders, to determine to which extent the studies on DAT adhere to the quality criteria developed by the International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organisation (IAHAIO) and to describe the characteristics of the participants, the intervention and the outcomes.MethodThree databases (i.e. PsycInfo, MedLine and Eric) were searched, and 14 studies on DAT were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist (JBIC) and the quality criteria developed by the IAHAIO were used during data extraction. Characteristics of the participants, the intervention, the therapy dogs and the outcomes of the studies were summarised.ResultsSix of the 14 included studies reported significant outcomes of DAT, whereof six in the social domain and two in the psychological domain. However, scores on the JBIC indicated low to moderate methodological quality and only three of the included studies adhered to the IAHAIO quality criteria.ConclusionsDAT is a promising intervention for children with behavioural and developmental disorders, especially for children with autism spectrum disorder. A clear description of the therapy’s components, the role of the therapy dog and analysis of the treatment integrity and procedural fidelity would improve the methodological quality of the studies and the field of dog-assisted interventions.
Highlights
Three databases (i.e. PsycInfo, MedLine and Eric) were searched, combining standard terms used in children with behavioural and developmental disorders and animal-assisted therapy (AAT) with dogs to identify studies
By answering 8 to 13 closed-ended questions, the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist (JBIC) evaluate the quality of the study design, completeness of the information on the participants and research methods used
(1) participants are not allergic to dogs; (2) professional is certified to provide therapy to children; (3) cultural background of participants is known; (4) dogs used during therapy are socialised; (5) dogs are registered therapy dogs; (6) evaluation of the dog’s behaviour; (7) dogs have been checked by a veterinarian; (8) therapist or handler is certified for working with dogs; and (9) duration of therapy session is between 30 and 45 min Social, psychological, neurobiological
Summary
Three databases (i.e. PsycInfo, MedLine and Eric) were searched, combining standard terms used in children with behavioural and developmental disorders and AAT with dogs to identify studies (see Fig. 1 for the selection process). One study that met the inclusion criteria was identified and included in the review This resulted in a total of 14 studies that were analysed by the first author. A customised form based on the PRISMA extraction form and IAHAIO Whitepaper was used to evaluate to which extent studies adhered to the quality guidelines of the IAHAIO and to describe the outcomes of the studies. The second author analysed three of the included studies to calculate interrater agreement. By answering 8 to 13 closed-ended questions (depending on the type of study design reviewed by the checklist), the JBIC evaluate the quality of the study design, completeness of the information on the participants and research methods used. The form consisted of three components: (1) characteristics of the participants (i.e. gender, age and diagnosis), (2) characteristics of the dog (i.e. breed, gender, age, colour, neutered/pregnant, owner) and (3) outcome variables (see Table 1)
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