Assistance Dogs and Human Health and Wellbeing

Abstract

Research in the area of assistance dogs is largely inconclusive. A systematic review of the best available evidence to determine the effects assistance dogs may have on individuals’ disability is needed to guide knowledge and understanding of the area. Following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology a synthesis of experimental and observational analytic studies on guide, hearing and service dogs aimed to determine their current level of effectiveness in assisting human health and wellbeing. Based on apriori inclusion criteria a total of 20 studies were included in the review; one randomised controlled trial, 12 quasi-experimental studies, 5 cross-sectional studies and two mixed methods design. Studies varied greatly in population, intervention, outcome measures and conclusions drawn. The overall quality of included studies was poor. The most frequently investigated disability-type was physical (guide, hearing, mobility, alert and response dogs), followed by psychological (psychiatric dogs), then social (autism service dogs). Outcomes varied, with some potentially positive effects of assistance dogs evident, but with significant methodological issues present throughout. Heterogenic findings limit recommendations for future practice, however, multiple future research recommendation are made.