Tory Schmitz, MSN, RN, CNAA, BC, Medical Intensive Care Unit, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
Studies have demonstrated the benefit of pet visitation in hospitalized patients. These benefits include improvement in physiological factors, such as a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, and psychological benefits by reducing anxiety. Personal Pet Visitation is intended for patients who have extended lengths of stay in the hospital. A multidisciplinary team including nursing staff and management, infection control, and risk management collaborated with a non-profit organization, Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) to develop and implement a personal pet visitation policy and procedure. Infection control approved cats and dogs in good health as appropriate for visitation. Cats and dogs are the only approved pets for visitation. The hospital’s Clinical Practice Council that is responsible for review and approval of patient care policies approved the policy. The policy includes obtaining an order from the attending physician once pet visitation has been offered and agreed upon by the patient. The physician’s order is faxed to PAWS. PAWS then obtains the information regarding the pet and the veterinarian’s contact information. Appropriate vaccinations are confirmed and PAWS evaluates the pet for disposition and ability to visit. Once PAWS approves the pet a day and time are negotiated for the visitation. PAWS transports the pet to the hospital via carrier or leash for large pets. PAWS remains with the pet during the visitation. A sign is placed on the door notifying of the visitation and the door remains closed during the visit. The nurse documents the visitation and the patient’s response to the visit. Any adverse events, such as an injury from the pet are reported. FromFebruary 2003 through November 2005 we have had over 100 personal pet visitations.