Thesis+Based+Research+Assignment

Emily Ball ** Senior Seminar Thesis-based Research ** // What driving question guided your research? //  How does animal-assisted therapy benefit patients with Parkinson’s disease? // Why did you go down this research path? //  I ask this question because my grandfather is a Parkinson’s patient, and we have quickly learned that there is no actual cure. Instead, our family must work to keep him as happy and healthy as possible to give him the longest life possible. Parkinson’s is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the patient’s motor skills and speech. It is characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, and a slowing of physical movement. To slow this process, the patient must remain active. However, it is often dangerous for the patient to perform heavy tasks. They need alternative methods to stay active, without risking further harm to them. I want to research the effects and benefits of animal-assisted therapy on these patients, because it seems like a very beneficial solution. Animal-assisted therapy is designed to improve the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning of the patient, as well as provide educational and motivational effectiveness for participants. Without liveliness or encouragement, such as the energy from the pets, it is incredibly difficult for the patients to stay motivated to continue, since they know there is no turning around. // What more specific questions had to be answered before finally answering this driving question? // What does animal-assisted therapy consist of? How difficult is it to certify a pet as a therapy pet? What other therapies are available to Parkinson’s patients? What is the most beneficial? A. Landau, Elaine. “Parkinson’s Disease.” New York: Franklin Watts, 1999. Print. B. Filan, Susan L. and Robert H. Llewellyn-Jones. // Animal-Assisted Therapy for Dementia. // Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia, 18:4: 597-611. (2006).  C. Ormerod, Elizabeth//. Working with Older People: Community Care Policy & Practice//, Dec2005, Vol. 9 Issue 4, p27-30. Print >> animal selection – screening for health, temperament, and behavior D. Ormerod, Elizabeth//. Working with Older People: Community Care Policy & Practice//, Sep 2005, Vol. 9 Issue 3, p23-27 E. Paladino, Derrick A. //Counseling & Values//, Jan2007, Vol. 51 Issue 2, p159-160 F. Janssen, Maridith A. "Therapeutic Interventions: Animal Assisted Therapy Programs." //Palaestra.// 14. 4 (Fall 1998): 40(1). //Student// //Resource Center//. Gale. 9 Oct. 2009 . G. Banks, Marian R. and William A. “The Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Loneliness in an Elderly Population in Long-Term Care Facilities.” //Journal of Gerontology: MEDICAL SCIENCES In the Public Domain.// 2002, Vol. 57A, No. 7, M428–M432 H. Cavanaugh, Lisa A; Leonard, Hillary A; Scammon, Debra L. “A Tail of Two Personalities: How Canine Companions Shape Relationships and Well-being.” //Journal of Business Research//, 2008 May; 61(5): 469-479. 1. “ More people own pets than ever before. Further, people spend more money on pets than they ever have. The increase in pet ownership and spending on pets provides evidence of the importance humans place on the pets in their lives.” 2. “It has been proven to help in the treatment of pediatric and elderly patients, in the strengthening of the developing immune system, of early detection of medical conditions, and mutual health care.” 3. “Further strategies for incorporating animal/human interactions into health maintenance and supportive care are imperative to describe the importance of the animal/human bond in health, wellness, and therapeutic processes.” // Based on this research what is your specific stance on this topic? // So far, I have information regarding animal-assisted therapy and Parkinson’s disease, separately. However, there is a significant amount of research that connects the two together. AAT has been proven to help patients with dementia, but I need to make the connections to my personal situation. // What is your initial thesis? // By stimulating the brain and encouraging movement, animal-assisted therapy works to heal patients with Parkinson’s disease, both mentally and physically. Support your thesis with a minimum of five findings or conclusions. // What did you learn from conducting this research? // Everything listed above! // What higher-order thinking skills did you employ? // Making my own inferences based on factual details. // What research skills do you still need to improve? // I need to focus in on specific information. // What information did you think you knew before researching that turned out to be either incorrect or incomplete knowledge of your topic? // All research supports my hypothesized stance. // So what? How do your findings fit back into the big picture of your project? // // How will this research help you move forward with your project? // This information is exactly what I needed to continue my study. Now I hope to share my information with peers and help to register their dogs for this purpose.
 * Rationale for Research / Introduction (5 pts) **
 * Research (25 pts) **
 * 1) “Specialized exercises can help those with balance or walking problems, as well as help individuals improve their speech or swallowing. Some patients feel that exercise boosts their spirits and helps them keep a positive attitude” (54).
 * 2) “Depression, a fairly common problem is associated with numerous medical ailments. PD patients who become depressed usually do so at the beginning of the illness. Yet if the person becomes depressed before any classic PD symptoms occur, the depression may not alert a physician to the onset of Parkinson’s disease” (25).
 * 3) The author believes that while their may be surgical or medical solutions, simple movements and positive energy is the best cure.
 * 4) People with Parkinson’s disease can “work” on their voices to make themselves more understandable by “using a lot of air” and “forcing it through.” Singing in the shower is suggested to keep their voices in good shape.
 * 5) Having a pet as a companion to talk to could be very beneficial.
 * 1) The authors concluded that animal-assisted therapy offers promise as a psychosocial intervention for people with dementia.
 * 2) This is not great for everyone: The authors stated that residents with dog fur allergy, fear of dogs, or aggression in the presence of dogs should not be exposed to AAT. Individual and cultural differences in the acceptance of pets, the added responsibility of care, and the impact on the caregiver also need consideration.
 * 3) Some patients react emotionally as well as physically to PD. As the illness progresses, they feel their bodies change and their ability in some areas diminished. Having a positive outlet in their life (such as taking care of a pet) can actually improve their mental health.
 * 1) “Therapists report that AAT allows therapeutic processes to proceed more effectively and quickly. The presence of animals also reduces staff stress and a reduced staff turnover has been documented.”
 * 2) “A report found improvements in resident health and a reduction in the need for psychotropic medication in nursing home residents. Patients with dementia were found to behave more normally, and to eat better in the presence of animals. “
 * 3) “During AAT sessions, therapists work with the patient and the animal to achieve predetermined goals, for example, to increase mobility, or improve interpersonal skills. Many facilities now enjoy the benefits of visiting and resident animals.”
 * 4) “Managers may also worry that older people may have poor standards of pet care. Research demonstrates that older people, with a lifetime of experience, are experienced, devoted pet care-givers.”
 * 5) Veterinary involvement should include:
 * 6) program planning as part of a multi-disciplinary team
 * 1) animal care – advising on individual care plans, including preventive veterinary treatments: vaccinations; worming; external parasite; prevention; dental care; regular routine health; checks; examining animals showing signs of illness or behaviour changes.
 * 1) “With an appropriately trained and sensitive handler the mere presence of a dog may facilitate therapeutic intervention with the noncommunicative patient, assist in recall of memories, help sequence temporal events in patients with head injuries or chronic degenerative diseases of the brain such as Alzheimer’s disease, and teach appropriate behavior patterns to those with emotional disabilities” (25).
 * 2) “ One study (Corson and Corson, 1981) examined the effects of introducing dogs to the nursing home setting. There was a decrease in loneliness and social withdrawal amongst people experiencing mental distress” (24).
 * 3) “The psychology behind the human companion animal bond is based primarily on three fundamental principles: 1) all people need to love and be loved; 2) all people need to feel worthwhile; and 3) pets can fulfill these needs.”
 * 1) The presence of a therapy dog visiting with residents increased socialization for participants with dementia.
 * 2) “Reasons for the influence of pets on people include the friendship and unconditional love and affection they both give and receive. Having a pet around can increase feelings of happiness, security, and self-worth. It has been shown that pets reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation on a daily basis and during separations or transitions such as spousal bereavement.”
 * 3) “Pets have a place in our intrinsic desire for close and caring affectionate bonds with others. Psychosocial benefits include increased attention skills, increased self-esteem, and reduced anxiety during medical procedures, and increased social interaction. Physical benefits can include increased range of motion, balance, and mobility. Animals used for therapeutic purposes can help decrease lateral neglect and increase sensation on an affected side.”
 * 1) “This form of therapy, oftentimes called Animal Assisted Therapy, has been shown to provide positive outcomes to its recipients. It has been documented, as far back as 1792, when animals were used in the York Center (a mental hospital in Great Britain), to help patients learn to care for living creatures (Kear, 1990).”
 * 2) Definition: “A goal directed intervention in which an animal meeting specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. AAT is delivered and/or directed by a health or human service provider working within the scope of his/her profession. AAT is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning. AAT is provided in a variety of settings and may be group or individual in nature.”
 * 3) “ The variety of populations served by therapeutic recreation specialists offers a unique intervention arena for the use of animals in programming. The therapeutic recreation specialist, whether in the healthcare or community arena, may use animals to enhance specific client outcomes in the physical, emotional, psychosocial, or cognitive domains. Animals are used to gain specific goals and outcomes based on individual client needs.”
 * 1) “AAT can effectively reduce the loneliness of residents in long-term care facilities who wish to receive such therapy. This study found that a large subpopulation of residents in these facilities have a strong life-history of a relationship with pets as an intimate part of their emotional support system and, if given a choice, would continue that relationship.”
 * 2) “The desire for AAT strongly correlates with previous pet ownership. AAT reduces loneliness in residents of long-term care facilities.”
 * 3) “The loneliness of self-selected residents in long-term care facilities improved with AAT. These residents had a strong life-history of responsibility and emotional attachment to pets, usually beginning in early childhood. These residents missed their pets and desired to have pets in their current environment. A single, 30-minute session of AAT per week for 6 weeks significantly reduced loneliness.”
 * // Thesis (15 pts) //**
 * // Findings (15 pts) & Support for Findings (25 pts) //**
 * 1) Finding: Exercises with animals can help those with balance or walking problems.
 * 2) Support: A1, C3, H3, F3
 * 3) Finding: AAT decreases loneliness in patients and encourages socialization.
 * 4) Support: D2, E1, E2, G1, G2, G3, H3
 * 5) Finding: Having another being to take care of helps patients to regain control of their lives.
 * 6) Support: D3, E2, H1
 * 7) Finding: Therapy pets instill a sense of security. Any and all positive emotions contribute to the wellness of the patient.
 * 8) Support: E2, G3, H1, E3
 * 9) Finding: The most success is found when the patient and the therapist are working towards a specific goal through the aid of the animal.
 * 10) Support: C3, F2, F3
 * // Process Reflection (5 pts) //**
 * // Connections to the Overall Project (5 pts) //**