2011 Volume 34 Issue 5 Pages 5_51-5_57
In the present study, animal-assisted activities were conducted for terminal cancer patients hospitalized in a palliative care unit with the objective of improving their QOL, and the patients' experiences were investigated to determine the meaning of interacting with animals during hospitalization as well as nursing assistance that incorporates this meaning. Semi-structured interviews were conducted following the end of animal-assisted activities using a cross-sectional descriptive design. Patients who participated in animal-assisted activities experienced the following through the human-animal bond as well as interactions with animals and other participants: "gaining a sense of comfort through the presence of animals", "healing from the live animals themselves", "release from pain", "feeling more at ease", and "confirmation that they are alive". In addition, through these experiences, patients appeared to gain a stronger sense of their own existence.
These results suggest that animal-assisted activities in palliative care units are an effective intervention for releasing patients from the tension and feelings of isolation and loneliness that arise from physical and emotional pain, strengthening their sense of existence, and improving their QOL.
