Complexities and considerations in conducting animal-assisted intervention research: A discussion of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

The field of human-animal interaction (HAI) has experienced prolific growth in the scope, breadth, and rigor of research conducted on animal-assisted interventions (AAIs). As knowledge regarding the preliminary efficacy of AAIs on outcomes of human health and wellbeing continues to accumulate, so has information regarding the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of AAIs. This progression, combined with an increase in funding opportunities, institutional resources, and growing recognition of the field from mental and medical health professionals, has led to more widespread implementation of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the field. While conducting RCTs in any field of study is an intensive and complex undertaking, researchers conducting RCTs to evaluate the efficacy of AAIs are faced with unique considerations. The goal of this manuscript is to discuss these complexities and considerations surrounding conducting an RCT of an AAI program in regard to study planning, conceptualization, design, implementation, and dissemination. We highlight common confounders in HAI research and provide strategies for minimizing or ameliorating them. Recommendations pertain to such unique issues as ethical considerations, theory, control and comparison groups, sampling, implementation fidelity, and transparent reporting of findings. These considerations and recommendations seek to aid HAI researchers in the design, implementation, and dissemination of future RCTs to continue to advance the rigor of the field.

Guidance on Minimum Standards for Canine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Adolescent Mental Health: Delphi Expert Consensus on Health, Safety, and Canine Welfare

“…Importantly, risk assessments should include respect for the individual canine’s consent to work or not to work [ 6 , 38 , 40 ]. Equally important is the evaluation of any adverse event or potential adverse event (‘near-miss’) in order to establish the antecedents of the event and identify mitigation or management strategies for the future [ 1 , 7 ]. This is supported by the incident reporting processes agreed upon by the expert panelists.…”

“…Global interest in animal-assisted therapies (AAT) is increasing, as evidenced by the growing number of publications on the topic [ 1 ]. AAT is a goal-focused therapy, delivered and documented by a qualified professional within the scope of their professional practice, and assisted by the deliberate and meaningful inclusion of an animal [ 2 ].…”

How to Measure Human-Dog Interaction in Dog Assisted Interventions? A Scoping Review

“…It is inevitably linked to the outcomes and effectiveness of the intervention (internal validity), as well as its replicability and generalizability (external validity) [97]. Rodriguez and colleagues [98] recently discussed fidelity, among other complexities in conducting AAI research, specifically referring to randomised controlled trials that are at the apex of the pyramid of evidence [98,99]. In their commentary, the authors report four facets of measuring fidelity: adherence to protocol, dosage, quality of intervention delivery, and participant responsiveness [98].…”

“…Rodriguez and colleagues [98] recently discussed fidelity, among other complexities in conducting AAI research, specifically referring to randomised controlled trials that are at the apex of the pyramid of evidence [98,99]. In their commentary, the authors report four facets of measuring fidelity: adherence to protocol, dosage, quality of intervention delivery, and participant responsiveness [98]. According to the authors, dosage refers not only to the frequency and duration of the intervention but, given the variety and complexity of the dynamics that occur during an AAI, ideally includes measures of the actual interactions that occur between humans and animals during the intervention [98].…”

“…In their commentary, the authors report four facets of measuring fidelity: adherence to protocol, dosage, quality of intervention delivery, and participant responsiveness [98]. According to the authors, dosage refers not only to the frequency and duration of the intervention but, given the variety and complexity of the dynamics that occur during an AAI, ideally includes measures of the actual interactions that occur between humans and animals during the intervention [98]. The measures identified in this review can aid in describing the intervention and ensuring intervention fidelity.…”