Effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions in preventing violence in acute psychiatric inpatients

Theoretical framework: Violence in acute psychiatric units is a major challenge for healthcare professionals due to its consequences. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of an Animal-Assisted Intervention (dog) programme in preventing violence in acute psychiatric units. Methodology: Quasi-experimental study with an experimental group (26 patients) and an equivalent control group. The experimental group was subjected to a programme composed of 6 15-minute visits by a dog/handler team over the course of 3 weeks. Every session involved 2 patients. The psychiatric symptoms and the experience and expression of anger were assessed before and after the programme. The aggressive behaviours were assessed during the programme. Results: The programme proved to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of aggressive behaviours and the use of psychotropic drugs. No evidence was found on the impact of this programme on psychiatric symptoms and anger experience and expression. Conclusion: These interventions may be a complementary strategy for preventing and controlling violence in acute psychiatric inpatients.