American Occupational Therapy Association, National Conference
Animal Assisted Therapy: A Conceptual Framework for Occupational Therapy
(WS 307) April 28th, 2012, 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Abstract Synopsis: This presentation will increase participant aptitude by addressing professional issues concerning the practitioner-‐client-‐animal triad. Participants will apply OT practice framework to evidence-‐based research, identify performance skills, measurement and documentation components specific to AAT.
Abstract: Animal assisted therapy (AAT) is recognized as an evidence-‐based intervention in a variety of health and human service professions. This emerging practice area in the domain of occupational therapy (OT) has only recently begun to contribute to this growing body of knowledge. However, the holistic nature of OT allows for assimilation of collective data. The speakers will describe the literature from within OT as well as complementary disciplines using frames of reference within our profession. This presentation will highlight a recent qualitative study that examines participant and caregiver perspectives regarding AAT conducted within the context of occupational therapy (Copses, 2008). Additional case studies will identify goal related activities that highlight performance skills, measurement and documentation of AAT.
“AAT is used to motivate individuals to engage in therapeutic activities that will improve performance skills, and thus their ability to participate in activities that are meaningful” (Winkle & Canfield, 2008). As a worthwhile treatment option, it is critical that practitioners utilize professional practice guidelines and strive for high performance standards. This presentation will explore uniform terminology, taxonomy, and proposed standards of practice used by two international organizations that cater to professionals, including OT’s, who utilize AAT as a modality. Standards of practice provide a construct that describes professional responsibilities for the baseline knowledge and application of an intervention. Presenters will discuss professional obligations regarding self-‐competency, awareness of animal behavior, and supplemental information required for the occupational profile, which has been found to help foster client involvement and more efficiently guide treatment (AOTA, 2008). Participants will identify a variety of methods to incorporate AAT into practice including using volunteer teams, employing their own dog, or procuring a dog that has been professionally trained. Additional concepts regarding humane selection, evaluation, training, and handling of dogs will be addressed.
Speaker Qualifications:
Melissa Winkle, OTR/L owns a private practice that offers animal assisted therapy, workshops and consulting on the topic. She is adjunct faculty/clinical instructor with 12 universities and is a member of the standards committee for Animal Assisted Intervention International. Lori Andersen, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA is associate professor at Gulf Coast University in Florida. Lori has overseen a number of research projects including topics related to Animal Assisted Interventions. The remaining speakers were OT students who participated in content and a research project to fulfill graduate requirements.
Author Block: Melissa Y. Winkle, OTR/L1, Liberty Z. Jackson, MOTR/L2, Lori T. Andersen, EdD,OTR/L, FAOTA3, Staci Copses, MS,OTR/L4, Andrea M. Cottos, MS, OTR/L5, Allison Macurak, MS, OTR/L5.
1University of New Mexico, Dogwood Therapy Svs., Albuquerque, NM, USA, 2Pacific University, Dogwood Therapy Svs., Hillsboro, OR, USA, 3Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, USA, 4Brenau University, Gainesville, FL, USA, 5Brenau University, Gainesville, GA, USA.
References:
Copses, S.L., Cottos, A.M., Miller, A.T. (2008). Working with the dogs: Participant and caregiver perspectives of animal assisted therapy as an occupational therapy intervention. Unpublished master’s thesis, Brenau University, Gainesville, GA.
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2002). Occupational therapy practice Framework: Domain and process. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 56, 618.
Winkle, M. & Caneld, K. (2008, March 31). Considerations for using animals in practice. OT Practice 13(5), 33-‐34.
Session Format: 3 hour workshop
Primary Focus: Rehabilitation, Disability, & Participation
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1: Outline professional practice guidelines and performance standards for AAT
Objective 2: Apply OT theoretical frames of reference to evidence based literature regarding AAT
Objective 3: Identify performance skills, measurement and documentation related to AAT
Additional: Level of material being presented: Introductory