| Sumario: | Significance & Background: "Dogs are a man's best friend," is a well-known phrase for a good reason. Research has shown that interactions with animals can provide psychological, emotional, and physical benefits for patients living with cancer, which may improve patient experience. One approach to enhance patient experience is to utilize Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT). AAT has also been found to positively impact stress and well-being among healthcare professionals (HCPs). The patient volumes in the Breast Cancer and Palliative Care clinics provided an opportunity to examine the effects of AAT on patients and HCPs in the setting of cancer care and treatment. Purpose: To utilize AAT to improve physical and emotional support for Breast Cancer and Palliative Care patients and decrease burnout for staff, the facility dog will interact with patients and HCPs under the supervision of her handlers to improve physical, emotional and social comfort levels. Interventions: After the facility dog program had been active for one year, a survey measuring the emotional and physical state of patients, caregivers/family, and HCPs after AAT visits was developed by the handling team and distributed. Press Ganey patient experience data was reviewed simultaneously. Results: Press Ganey data for Overall Patient Experience in calendar year 2023 was 95.21 for the Breast Cancer Clinic and 95.82 for the Palliative Care Clinic. For the calendar year 2024, the Overall Patient Experience score was 96 for the Breast Cancer Clinic and 95.75 for the Palliative Care Clinic. The survey was completed by 81 participants as of February 2025: 22 patients, 7 caregivers/family, and 52 HCPs, 22 patients and 5 caregivers/family. There was an overall improvement in the emotional, physical and social state of HCPs, patients and their caregivers/family. Of the domains assessed, anxiety and tension were decreased the most after interactions with the facility dog. Ninety- eight percent of HCPs reported better clinic morale after AAT visits during work hours. Discussion: By addressing physical discomfort, reducing emotional distress, and creating a more positive treatment environment, AAT can significantly enhance the patients' and HCP's experience within the healthcare environment. Additionally, the survey showed indicated patients were interested in having interactions at imaging procedures and lab draws, areas of expansion for future AAT support.
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