A survey of circumstances and issues regarding service dogs in medical facilities

Abstract

Objective: Medical facilities are required to admit service dogs to allow patients relying on such dogs access to proper medical services. We surveyed the circumstances and issues relating to service dogs in medical facilities.
Method: Questionnaires were sent out to nursing directors at 166 hospitals in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan between August and September in 2008.
Result: Collection rate for questionnaires was 65.1% (108 facilities). Visits of service dog users were confirmed in 18.5% (18 facilities). Three of the 18 facilities experienced some difficulties managing these dogs. All three facilities pointed out sanitary concerns as the chief difficulty. Training or instruction for staffs to accept service dogs was conducted in five of the visited facilities. Meanwhile, a manual was prepared in only one facility. However 72.2% (78 facilities) reported anxiety about accepting service dogs.
Discussion: Insufficient training and a resulting inability to deal with potential issues were considered the reasons for anxiety.
Conclusion: Medical facilities should prepare for the visit of service dogs by compiling a manual and providing additional training for workers coming into contact with service dogs.