Melanie G Jones | University of Melbourne (original) (raw)
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Papers by Melanie G Jones
Human Animal Interactions, 2023
Abstract Introduction: Canine-assisted psychotherapy (CAP) is an emerging field that is largely u... more Abstract
Introduction: Canine-assisted psychotherapy (CAP) is an emerging field that is largely unregulated and at times fragmented. Despite this, CAP shows promise as an innovative intervention for improving adolescent mental health. To ensure safe, ethical interventions incorporating dogs, providers need minimum standards to guide intervention development and subsequent research. Initially, standards should guide the preliminary steps required to prepare for and set up CAP interventions. These should include consensus agreement on the specific training and qualifications of providers, and training/assessment standards for canines to deliver such interventions. Also crucial is establishing clear expectations about treatment goals via use of clinically accurate terminology.
Methods: Using Delphi methodology, experts in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) were recruited globally to complete questionnaires in an iterative process designed to establish consensus. Consensus was met when 80% or more experts agreed that an item was either ‘important’ or ‘essential’ and therefore included or ‘unimportant’ or ‘irrelevant’ and therefore excluded from the minimum standards required to develop a CAP group intervention for adolescents experiencing common mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder.
Results: Over two rounds, consensus was reached to include 34 items and exclude none; 45 items remained unresolved. Standardized terminology was identified that clearly defined the type and scope of the service being provided, delineating psychotherapeutic treatments from informal dog-related interactions. To deliver the CAP intervention, providers must have formal qualifications and licensure/registration in mental health, training and supervision in AAT, and canine-specific training and experience. Important temperament characteristics of working dogs were identified including absence of aggression, and enjoyment working in CAP. Dogs should be formally assessed in obedience and AAT applications, in partnership with a bonded handler. Assessors of dog-handler teams should be independent and have expertise in both canine ethology and AAT.
Discussion: These results reinforce the importance of accurate and standardized terminology, and the need for further community education on the role of ‘therapy’ and ‘therapy dogs’. Consensus on the essential content for provider training was not achieved, highlighting the diversity of practice globally. Nevertheless, there was recognition of the need for breadth and depth of knowledge across the domains of mental health, AAT, canine training, and handling dogs for AAT applications. Dogs working independently of a bonded handler were not supported, nor were mental health providers working with an ‘assessed’ dog in the absence of AAT and CAP training. Implications for clinical practice are explored.
Keywords: animal-assisted therapy, canine assisted psychotherapy, adolescence, mental health, Delphi, standards, guidelines, terminology, qualifications, training
Animals, 2024
Simple Summary: Including therapy dogs in adolescent mental health is increasingly popular; howev... more Simple Summary: Including therapy dogs in adolescent mental health is increasingly popular; however, there is poor guidance to assist providers in developing high-quality interventions. This study recruited global experts in the field to agree on a set of minimum standards for health, safety, and welfare. A panel of 40 experts agreed that 32 items out of a possible 49 were important or es- sential to the minimum standards, including risk assessments, veterinary screening and preventa- tive healthcare for dogs, and training in infection control and first aid for providers. Welfare measures included training providers to assess, document, and respond to dog (and human) well- being. Strict measures, including fecal testing, prohibiting raw food diets, and one-hour work sched- ules, were not included in the minimum standards, despite their common use in hospital/acute set- tings. Recommendations for providers are made.
Abstract: As interest in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and canine-assisted psychotherapy (CAP) grows, there are increasing calls for the management of related health, safety, and welfare concerns for canines, providers, and clients. Existing health and safety guidelines lack empirical support and are, at times, contradictory. Welfare is increasingly prioritized; however, tools to monitor and man- age welfare are underutilized and under-reported. The aim of this study was to provide expert con- sensus on the minimum health, safety, and welfare standards required to develop and deliver a CAP group program to adolescents experiencing common mental health disorders. Diverse AAT experts were recruited globally. Using Delphi methodology, over two rounds, 40 panelists reached a consensus agreement to include 32 items from a possible 49 into the minimum standards. Health and safety measures included risk assessment, veterinary screening, preventative medicine, train- ing in infection control, and first aid. Welfare measures included training in welfare assessment, documentation of welfare, and flexible, individualized responses to promote wellbeing. Intestinal screening for parasites and the prohibition of raw food were not supported. Flexible and individu- alized assessment and management of canine welfare were supported over fixed and time-limited work schedules. Clinical practice implications are discussed, and recommendations are made.
Keywords: animal-assisted therapy; canine-assisted psychotherapy; adolescence; mental health; Delphi; standards; guidelines; health; safety; welfare
Animals, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Abstract: The nomenclature used to describe animals working in roles supporting people can be confusing. The same term may be used to describe different roles, or two terms may mean the same thing. This confusion is evident among researchers, practitioners, and end users. Because certain animal roles are provided with legal protections and/or government-funding support in some jurisdictions, it is necessary to clearly define the existing terms to avoid confusion. The aim of this paper is to provide operationalized definitions for nine terms, which would be useful in many world regions: “assistance animal”, “companion animal”, “educational/school support animal”, “emotional support animal”, “facility animal”, “service animal”, “skilled companion animal”, “therapy animal”, and “visiting/visitation animal”. At the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) conferences in 2018 and 2020, over 100 delegates participated in workshops to define these terms, many of whom co-authored this paper. Through an iterative process, we have defined the nine terms and explained how they differ from each other. We recommend phasing out two terms (i.e., “skilled companion animal” and “service animal”) due to overlap with other terms that could potentially exacerbate confusion. The implications for several regions of the world are discussed.
Keywords: companion animal; assistance animal; service animal; facility animal; therapy animal; emotional support animal; educational support animal; visiting animal; human–animal interaction
plos one, 2019
Abstract Introduction As interest in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) grows, there is increasi... more Abstract
Introduction
As interest in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) grows, there is increasing need to differentiate informal activities from formal and professionally directed therapies, including mental health focussed Canine-Assisted Psychotherapy (CAP). There have been no reviews focusing
exclusively on CAP and the distinct developmental period of adolescence. The aims of this study were to identify the characteristics of CAP interventions, their impacts and their acceptability, tolerability and feasibility for adolescents with mental health disorders.
Method
A systematic review identified studies incorporating canines into mental health treatments for adolescents aged 10–19 years. Studies reporting qualitative or quantitative psychological or psychosocial outcomes were included.
Results
Seven studies were scrutinised. Intervention characteristics varied, including a range of formats, settings, locations, doses, and facilitators. Information on the role of the canines in sessions was sparse. CAP had a positive impact on primary diagnoses and symptomatology,
conferring additional benefits to standard treatments for internalising disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and equivalent effects for anxiety, anger and externalising disorders. CAP was associated with positive impacts on secondary factors including increased engagement and socialisation behaviours, and reductions in disruptive behaviours within
treatment sessions. Global functioning also improved. There was insufficient evidence that CAP improved factors associated with self-esteem, subjective wellbeing, or coping. Good attendance and retention rates indicated high levels of acceptability. Moderate to high tolerability
was also indicated. Feasibility may be limited by additional training and logistical requirements.
Recommendations
We recommend the development of theoretically informed, standardised (manualised) intervention protocols that may subsequently form the basis of efficacy and effectiveness testing. Such protocols should clearly describe canine-participant-facilitator interactions via a formalised
nomenclature; spontaneous (animal-led), adjunctive (facilitator-led), and experiential (participant-led).
Conclusions
There is emerging evidence to suggest that CAP improves the efficacy of mental health treatments in self-selected adolescent populations via reductions in primary symptomatology, and via secondary factors that improve therapeutic processes and quality, such as engagement and retention.
Abstract Objectives: Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a growing field in Australia, and therapy d... more Abstract
Objectives: Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a growing field in Australia, and therapy dogs are becoming increasingly
common in clinical settings. This paper aims to highlight the current issues facing AAT in Australia and to
make recommendations on how to progress the field. We acknowledge that there are several ways that therapy
dogs may enhance treatment outcomes for clients, such as reductions in stress and acute anxious arousal, and
improvements in engagement and rapport. These psychological and physiological advantages, however, may not
be sustained once interaction with the dog ceases. Clinicians require adequate training and support to develop and
implement interventions that are based on sound theoretical foundations, and take advantage of the adjunctive
benefits of animal presence.
Conclusions: A series of recommendations are made for the professionalisation of AAT, including the development
of consensus definitions, clinical governance, accreditation, research and evaluation.
Human Animal Interactions, 2023
Abstract Introduction: Canine-assisted psychotherapy (CAP) is an emerging field that is largely u... more Abstract
Introduction: Canine-assisted psychotherapy (CAP) is an emerging field that is largely unregulated and at times fragmented. Despite this, CAP shows promise as an innovative intervention for improving adolescent mental health. To ensure safe, ethical interventions incorporating dogs, providers need minimum standards to guide intervention development and subsequent research. Initially, standards should guide the preliminary steps required to prepare for and set up CAP interventions. These should include consensus agreement on the specific training and qualifications of providers, and training/assessment standards for canines to deliver such interventions. Also crucial is establishing clear expectations about treatment goals via use of clinically accurate terminology.
Methods: Using Delphi methodology, experts in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) were recruited globally to complete questionnaires in an iterative process designed to establish consensus. Consensus was met when 80% or more experts agreed that an item was either ‘important’ or ‘essential’ and therefore included or ‘unimportant’ or ‘irrelevant’ and therefore excluded from the minimum standards required to develop a CAP group intervention for adolescents experiencing common mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder.
Results: Over two rounds, consensus was reached to include 34 items and exclude none; 45 items remained unresolved. Standardized terminology was identified that clearly defined the type and scope of the service being provided, delineating psychotherapeutic treatments from informal dog-related interactions. To deliver the CAP intervention, providers must have formal qualifications and licensure/registration in mental health, training and supervision in AAT, and canine-specific training and experience. Important temperament characteristics of working dogs were identified including absence of aggression, and enjoyment working in CAP. Dogs should be formally assessed in obedience and AAT applications, in partnership with a bonded handler. Assessors of dog-handler teams should be independent and have expertise in both canine ethology and AAT.
Discussion: These results reinforce the importance of accurate and standardized terminology, and the need for further community education on the role of ‘therapy’ and ‘therapy dogs’. Consensus on the essential content for provider training was not achieved, highlighting the diversity of practice globally. Nevertheless, there was recognition of the need for breadth and depth of knowledge across the domains of mental health, AAT, canine training, and handling dogs for AAT applications. Dogs working independently of a bonded handler were not supported, nor were mental health providers working with an ‘assessed’ dog in the absence of AAT and CAP training. Implications for clinical practice are explored.
Keywords: animal-assisted therapy, canine assisted psychotherapy, adolescence, mental health, Delphi, standards, guidelines, terminology, qualifications, training
Animals, 2024
Simple Summary: Including therapy dogs in adolescent mental health is increasingly popular; howev... more Simple Summary: Including therapy dogs in adolescent mental health is increasingly popular; however, there is poor guidance to assist providers in developing high-quality interventions. This study recruited global experts in the field to agree on a set of minimum standards for health, safety, and welfare. A panel of 40 experts agreed that 32 items out of a possible 49 were important or es- sential to the minimum standards, including risk assessments, veterinary screening and preventa- tive healthcare for dogs, and training in infection control and first aid for providers. Welfare measures included training providers to assess, document, and respond to dog (and human) well- being. Strict measures, including fecal testing, prohibiting raw food diets, and one-hour work sched- ules, were not included in the minimum standards, despite their common use in hospital/acute set- tings. Recommendations for providers are made.
Abstract: As interest in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and canine-assisted psychotherapy (CAP) grows, there are increasing calls for the management of related health, safety, and welfare concerns for canines, providers, and clients. Existing health and safety guidelines lack empirical support and are, at times, contradictory. Welfare is increasingly prioritized; however, tools to monitor and man- age welfare are underutilized and under-reported. The aim of this study was to provide expert con- sensus on the minimum health, safety, and welfare standards required to develop and deliver a CAP group program to adolescents experiencing common mental health disorders. Diverse AAT experts were recruited globally. Using Delphi methodology, over two rounds, 40 panelists reached a consensus agreement to include 32 items from a possible 49 into the minimum standards. Health and safety measures included risk assessment, veterinary screening, preventative medicine, train- ing in infection control, and first aid. Welfare measures included training in welfare assessment, documentation of welfare, and flexible, individualized responses to promote wellbeing. Intestinal screening for parasites and the prohibition of raw food were not supported. Flexible and individu- alized assessment and management of canine welfare were supported over fixed and time-limited work schedules. Clinical practice implications are discussed, and recommendations are made.
Keywords: animal-assisted therapy; canine-assisted psychotherapy; adolescence; mental health; Delphi; standards; guidelines; health; safety; welfare
Animals, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Abstract: The nomenclature used to describe animals working in roles supporting people can be confusing. The same term may be used to describe different roles, or two terms may mean the same thing. This confusion is evident among researchers, practitioners, and end users. Because certain animal roles are provided with legal protections and/or government-funding support in some jurisdictions, it is necessary to clearly define the existing terms to avoid confusion. The aim of this paper is to provide operationalized definitions for nine terms, which would be useful in many world regions: “assistance animal”, “companion animal”, “educational/school support animal”, “emotional support animal”, “facility animal”, “service animal”, “skilled companion animal”, “therapy animal”, and “visiting/visitation animal”. At the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) conferences in 2018 and 2020, over 100 delegates participated in workshops to define these terms, many of whom co-authored this paper. Through an iterative process, we have defined the nine terms and explained how they differ from each other. We recommend phasing out two terms (i.e., “skilled companion animal” and “service animal”) due to overlap with other terms that could potentially exacerbate confusion. The implications for several regions of the world are discussed.
Keywords: companion animal; assistance animal; service animal; facility animal; therapy animal; emotional support animal; educational support animal; visiting animal; human–animal interaction
plos one, 2019
Abstract Introduction As interest in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) grows, there is increasi... more Abstract
Introduction
As interest in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) grows, there is increasing need to differentiate informal activities from formal and professionally directed therapies, including mental health focussed Canine-Assisted Psychotherapy (CAP). There have been no reviews focusing
exclusively on CAP and the distinct developmental period of adolescence. The aims of this study were to identify the characteristics of CAP interventions, their impacts and their acceptability, tolerability and feasibility for adolescents with mental health disorders.
Method
A systematic review identified studies incorporating canines into mental health treatments for adolescents aged 10–19 years. Studies reporting qualitative or quantitative psychological or psychosocial outcomes were included.
Results
Seven studies were scrutinised. Intervention characteristics varied, including a range of formats, settings, locations, doses, and facilitators. Information on the role of the canines in sessions was sparse. CAP had a positive impact on primary diagnoses and symptomatology,
conferring additional benefits to standard treatments for internalising disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and equivalent effects for anxiety, anger and externalising disorders. CAP was associated with positive impacts on secondary factors including increased engagement and socialisation behaviours, and reductions in disruptive behaviours within
treatment sessions. Global functioning also improved. There was insufficient evidence that CAP improved factors associated with self-esteem, subjective wellbeing, or coping. Good attendance and retention rates indicated high levels of acceptability. Moderate to high tolerability
was also indicated. Feasibility may be limited by additional training and logistical requirements.
Recommendations
We recommend the development of theoretically informed, standardised (manualised) intervention protocols that may subsequently form the basis of efficacy and effectiveness testing. Such protocols should clearly describe canine-participant-facilitator interactions via a formalised
nomenclature; spontaneous (animal-led), adjunctive (facilitator-led), and experiential (participant-led).
Conclusions
There is emerging evidence to suggest that CAP improves the efficacy of mental health treatments in self-selected adolescent populations via reductions in primary symptomatology, and via secondary factors that improve therapeutic processes and quality, such as engagement and retention.
Abstract Objectives: Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a growing field in Australia, and therapy d... more Abstract
Objectives: Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a growing field in Australia, and therapy dogs are becoming increasingly
common in clinical settings. This paper aims to highlight the current issues facing AAT in Australia and to
make recommendations on how to progress the field. We acknowledge that there are several ways that therapy
dogs may enhance treatment outcomes for clients, such as reductions in stress and acute anxious arousal, and
improvements in engagement and rapport. These psychological and physiological advantages, however, may not
be sustained once interaction with the dog ceases. Clinicians require adequate training and support to develop and
implement interventions that are based on sound theoretical foundations, and take advantage of the adjunctive
benefits of animal presence.
Conclusions: A series of recommendations are made for the professionalisation of AAT, including the development
of consensus definitions, clinical governance, accreditation, research and evaluation.