Studies have demonstrated the benefits of having patients and residents interact with animals in care facilities, according to an article on the Los Angeles Times website.
To keep patients safe, The American Journal of Infection Control recommends a set of guidelines when it comes to bringing animals into long-term care facilities and hospitals.
Certain animals are considered at a higher risk of causing infection or injury to humans, such as reptiles, amphibians, nonhuman primates, mice, rats, hamsters and gerbils.
Patients, visitors and healthcare employees should also clean their hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers before and after interacting with the animals.
How Curated Art Elevates Senior Care Spaces
The CDC's Guide to Hand Hygiene in Healthcare
Dana-Farber, BIDMC Launch Construction of Dedicated Adult Cancer Hospital
5 Components of an Integrated Safety Culture in Healthcare
NYC Opens Therapeutic Housing Unit for Medically Vulnerable Detainees