In Tuscany an innovative initiative is changing the approach to hospital and nursing home care: The pets they can now visit their hospitalized owners. The ASL Toscana Sud Est has in fact introduced a regulation to allow safe access to dogs, cats and other pets.
Thus they are officially recognized emotional and psychological benefits resulting from contact with your four-legged friends. The procedure involves the patient or their caregiver communicating with at least 24 hours in advance the intention to organize the visit.
The meetings take place in dedicated common rooms, to avoid overlaps or inconveniences. However, animal access is limited in sensitive areas such as emergency rooms, dialysis, operating rooms and neonatal units. During visits, it is mandatory that the animal is microchipped, vaccinated and accompanied by a person who guarantees control.
The presence of a pet can reduce stress, anxiety and depression
The main objective is to “humanize care”, improving the well-being of patients and, in particular, of the guests of the RSAs, who often experience a long separation from their animals. Studies show that the presence of a pet can reduce stress, anxiety and depressioncontributing to the emotional and psychological recovery of patients. For this reason, it was formed dedicated staffcapable of managing particular situations and also monitoring the animal’s well-being during the visit.
Antonio D’Urso, general director of the ASL Toscana Sud Est, highlighted the importance of putting not only the pathology at the center of treatment, but the person as a wholeincluding the affections that play a fundamental role in the healing process. The initiative is the result of a collaboration between different departments and represents a model for more empathetic and personalized healthcare.
Regulated access to animals, in addition to protecting the emotional rights of patients, also considers the needs of those who do not love animals or are afraid of them, guaranteeing a balance between different sensitivities. A multidisciplinary and innovative approach that therefore takes into account not only physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being, helping to redefine the very concept of healthcare.
