Arbetsterapeuters erfarenheter av rehabilitering med vårdhund/terapihund i Sverige

The aim of this study was to describe occupational therapists experiences of therapy dogs in Swedish rehabilitation. Interventions with dogs are called dog assisted therapy, for occupational therapists rehabilitation process this also includes assessments. Nine occupational therapists participated in the study and semistructural interviews were used for gathering the data. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The analysis resulted in a theme, The therapy dog enabling participation in and after rehabilitation, were created with three related subcategories. The subcategories were: The therapy dog creating a cooperative climate, The therapy dog enabling participation in diverse training and Wellbeing and quality of life in clients' daily lives. The results showed that dog assisted intervention increased clients' motivation and participation in intervention and activities after the intervention. The therapy dog seems able to assist clients with a variety of disabilities, which make it applicable in many different occupational therapy units. Further research in the form of large quantitative studies is desirable to demonstrate the effects of therapy dogs.Validerat; 20150617 (global_studentproject_submitter