A atuação conjunta do profissional de Medicina Veterinária e o de Enfermagem na Terapia Assistida por Animais (TAA)

Abstract

Therapy assisted or mediated by human-animal interaction has been the subject of numerous studies. TAA was used, for the first time, empirically by Willian Tuke, in 1792, by the institution York Retreat and in the 70s and 80s the organization DELTA SOCIETY in the USA and Society for the Study of Companion Animals (SCAS) in England, were the main organizations for training multidisciplinary professional teams for TAA and volunteers for AAA (Assisted Activity by Animals). Zootherapy has, in the animal, a co-therapist in the therapeutic intervention process, that is, in the improvement of the social, emotional, physical and / or cognitive function of human patients. The multidisciplinary team has similarities in objectives regarding human and animal welfare. Due to the expectation of future longevity for humans, this research aims to: assess whether TAA promotes change in the biopsychosocial framework of institutionalized elderly people. An action research was carried out in an institution where 25 elderly people live, 60% women and 40% men with an average age between 70 and 80. There were visits by a dog to TAA. The place already had an aquarium and birds. The behavior of the elderly was evaluated before the visit with the animals, during and after. It can be concluded that the relationship between the multidisciplinary team and the elderly showed a better relationship and greater socialization after the dog's visits.