The role of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) in healthcare waiting rooms: A scoping review on enhancing patients’ well-being and experience

This scoping review investigates the role of snimal-sssisted interventions (AAI) in enhancing patient well-being and experience in healthcare waiting rooms. From an initial pool of 1689 articles across CINAHL, PUBMED, and ASSIA, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review evaluates the psychological and physical impacts of AAI, considerations for its implementation, and its potential to complement patient-centered care. Findings revealed that AAI consistently improved psychological outcomes, such as reducing anxiety and depression, though effects on physical parameters like pain and blood pressure remain mixed. While the term “therapy dog” may be misleading, these animals play a vital role in providing emotional support and enhancing patient well-being in healthcare settings. Future research should further clarify the distinct functions of therapy versus service dogs and explore the long-term and population-specific impacts of AAI in patient-centered care.