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Abstract

Intensive care unit (ICU) survivors are at risk for developing persistent psychological sequelae that have been linked to decreased quality of life and increased mortality after hospital discharge. Standardized evidence-based treatments are lacking, mainly focus on physical rather than psychological recovery, and often occur in formal settings. Benefits of human– companion dog relationships have not been explored in the ICU survivor population before. Thus, the purposes of our review were to summarize the literature focused on the influence of companion dogs on depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); identify what is known about the potential role companion dogs play in the well-being of adult ICU survivors; and inform future research and practice. We conducted a scoping review using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. The databases PsycInfo, PubMed, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were systematically searched for publications related to companion dogs’ impact on depression, anxiety, and PTSD in human adults. Of 1,505 sources identified, 39 were included for review. Depression was the most frequently reported condition, whereas the greatest effects were reported for PTSD. Cross-sectional designs yielding inconsistent results were prevalent, and mechanisms were suggested but seldom tested. Findings suggest companion dogs have the potential to facilitate the unique needs of ICU survivors, but further research is needed. Multidisciplinary research using ICU survivor samples, longitudinal and experimental designs, theoretical foundations, and more consistent measurement across studies are necessary. Nurses and health care professionals are in an optimal position to assess and discuss supportive relationships that facilitate recovery, including companion dogs, and to encourage intentional physically appropriate activities with companion dogs to optimize mental health benefits.

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