Implementation of equine-assisted intervention for older adults with Alzheimer's disease residing in a nursing home: Brakes and levers.

Abstract

Although research on equine-assisted intervention (EAI) for older adults is beginning to be published, no scientific study has examined the various elements that can limit or facilitate the implementation of EAI with older adults suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) residing in nursing homes. The aim of this study was to identify the possible brakes and levers of implementing EAI with AD patients. A focus on professional affiliation was conducted. The survey was posted online on 2 February 2021 via the Sphinx software. As this study was aimed at gerontology professionals working in nursing homes, they were contacted through various specialized social networks. A total of 663 people answered the survey. The results indicate that for 45% of the participants, the main brake to implementing EAI is related to the institutional burden. As for the levers, 29% of the people indicated that it would mainly be beneficial due to the cognitive stimulation that EAI would provide. People who were not familiar with EAI reported more brakes to its implementation. Finally, it was observed that the caregivers were those who put forward the most levers for the implementation of EAI with AD patients living in nursing homes. Thus, this study allows us to understand some of the reasons why nursing homes are reluctant to set up EAI. Communication on this subject is currently a lever to be developed. By highlighting the brakes and levers on the implementation of EAIs, we are able to identify suitable guidelines for developing this type of intervention in nursing homes, which could be used as a complement to nursing care to help Alzheimer's patients overcome physical or psychological health problems.