Shiroff Jennifer J, Gray Kathy, Santulli Gabrielle M, DiDonato Stephen, Kelly Patricia J, Fulford Jacqueline O'Rourke
Jefferson College of Nursing Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA.
Psychiatr Res Clin Pract. 2022 Dec 21;5(2):40-50. doi: 10.1176/appi.prcp.20220029. eCollection 2023 Summer.
This qualitative research was conducted to add to the body of knowledge that supports the benefits of service dogs (SDs), as a tertiary treatment modality, to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
This grounded theory research design utilized open-ended, semi-structured interviews with veterans ( = 10) who were using SDs as a treatment modality for PTSD and/or TBI. Transcripts were analyzed using NVivo qualitative software until data saturation was achieved.
Results from the data analysis identified 4 major themes with concurrent subthemes. The most prominent themes were functional status, impact of a SD, recognition of symptoms of PTSD and/or TBI by the SD, and barriers and challenges to the acquisition of a SD. Participants reported that the SD increased socialization and was a positive adjunct to treatment modalities for PTSD and/or TBI.
Our study highlights the benefits of using a SD as a tertiary treatment for PTSD and/or TBI in veterans. Veterans in our study articulated the benefits of using a SD as a tertiary treatment option, and the need to make this a standard treatment option for all veterans who suffer from PTSD and/or TBI.
开展这项定性研究，以丰富支持服务犬作为一种三级治疗方式对患有创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）和/或创伤性脑损伤（TBI）的退伍军人有益的相关知识体系。
本扎根理论研究设计采用了对将服务犬作为PTSD和/或TBI治疗方式的退伍军人（n = 10）进行开放式、半结构化访谈。使用NVivo定性软件对访谈记录进行分析，直至达到数据饱和。
数据分析结果确定了4个主要主题及相关子主题。最突出的主题是功能状态、服务犬的影响、服务犬对PTSD和/或TBI症状的识别，以及获取服务犬的障碍和挑战。参与者报告称，服务犬增加了社交活动，是PTSD和/或TBI治疗方式的积极辅助手段。
我们的研究突出了将服务犬作为退伍军人PTSD和/或TBI的三级治疗手段的益处。我们研究中的退伍军人阐述了将服务犬作为三级治疗选择的益处，以及将其作为所有患有PTSD和/或TBI的退伍军人的标准治疗选择的必要性。
