The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Marguerite E Ohaire - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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ptsd Service Dogs foster resilience among veterans and military families
Current Psychology, 2021Co-Authors: Leanne O Nieforth, Shelley Macdermid Wadsworth, Elizabeth A Craig, Virginia A Behmer, Marguerite E OhaireAbstract:Military deployment and reintegration challenges permeate the lives and relationships of Veterans, their spouses, and their families. Among these challenges, 23% of post-9/11 Veterans have been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychiatric Service Dogs have been found to help clinically alleviate PTSD symptoms when used as a complementary intervention. However, minimal research exists that explores the role of the Service dog as a mechanism for cultivating resilience within the military family system. Researchers utilized a qualitative, constant comparative approach to analyze self-reported experiences of 101 individuals, including Veterans (n = 67) and their spouses (n = 34). Analyzed through the framework of the Theory of Resilience and Relational Load (Afifi et al., 2016), findings suggest complex communication processes that facilitate relational and family adaptation. These processes encompassed (a) the role of the Service dog in building emotional reserves, (b) relational load introduced when caring for the Service dog, and (c) the Service dog’s facilitation of relational maintenance behaviors among family members that contributed to communal orientation. Based on the results of this qualitative analysis, researchers suggest educational interventions where Service dog trainers and mental health practitioners can incorporate relational maintenance strategies and family-focused approaches to integrating Service Dogs as military family members.
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benefits and challenges of mobility and medical alert Service Dogs for caregivers of Service dog recipients
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2021Co-Authors: Leanne O Nieforth, Kerri E Rodriguez, Marguerite E OhaireAbstract:PURPOSE Mobility and medical alert Service Dogs are an assistive technology for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. Informal caregivers of individuals with disabilities are subject to physical and emotional stress due to their responsibilities. Understanding how Service Dogs, an increasingly common assistive technology, may add to or subtract from caregiver stress is crucial for promoting caregiver well-being. The purpose of this study was to analyze caregiver accounts to understand their perspective on benefits and challenges they face with mobility and medical alert Service Dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Open ended survey responses from 117 caregivers of Service dog recipients (N = 72 with a Service dog, N = 45 on the waitlist) were analysed through a conventional content analysis. RESULTS Four major themes were found regarding caregiver and Service dog: Family Benefits, Caregiver Benefits, Assistance Through Service Dog's Training, and Drawbacks. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that benefits and challenges of mobility and medical Service Dogs extend beyond the Service dog recipient, affecting the caregiver and other family members as well. Future studies should further explore this interaction to determine the best way to support caregivers of individuals with disabilities.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMobility and medical alert Service Dogs are increasingly partnered with individuals with disabilities or chronic diseases as an assistive technology but few studies have focussed on the experience of the caregivers of Service dog recipients. Caregivers of individuals with disabilities or chronic diseases may be subject to both psychological and physiological stressors as a result of their caregiver duties.Results found that caregivers perceive both benefits to themselves and to their families in terms building a bond with the animal that helps to reduce worry and offers emotional support. The most commonly mentioned drawbacks include general maintenance of the Service dog, grooming needs and travel restrictions.This research is important in order to offer appropriate support to caregivers of individuals with disabilities.
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expectations versus experiences of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder ptsd Service Dogs an inductive conventional content analysis
Psychological Trauma: Theory Research Practice and Policy, 2021Co-Authors: Leanne O Nieforth, Kerri E Rodriguez, Marguerite E OhaireAbstract:Objective: The objective of this study was twofold: to describe the benefits and drawbacks of a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Service dog from the perspective of Veterans with Service Dogs and to compare these reports to the expectations of Veterans who were on a waitlist for a PTSD Service dog. Method: A total of 128 U.S. post-9/11 Veterans with PTSD were recruited from a nonprofit Service dog provider (K9s for Warriors), including n = 69 with a PTSD Service dog and n = 59 on the waitlist. Participant responses to open-ended survey questions were analyzed with conventional content analysis and classified into 214 codes across six subthemes, creating three larger themes. A subset (20%) of the data was independently coded to establish interrater reliability (Cohen's κ = .804). Frequency data were used to compare theme and subtheme prevalence between groups. Results: Veterans' experiences and expectations were centered on the effects the Service Dogs had on Veteran mental health, human-dog interaction, and the associated drawbacks. Although the majority of Veterans reported benefits from their Service Dogs, the findings revealed that Veterans on the waitlist more frequently mentioned benefits than those with a Service dog. Study findings suggest that the drawbacks expected from Service Dogs differ from the drawbacks experienced. Conclusion: Understanding expectations versus experiences provides critical information for mental health professionals who are informing Veterans on individualized interventions for PTSD. This knowledge will enable professionals to temper expectations and educate Veterans on specific benefits and drawbacks so that they have a more rounded view of PTSD Service Dogs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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a part of our family effects of psychiatric Service Dogs on quality of life and relationship functioning in military connected couples
Military behavioral health, 2020Co-Authors: Christine E Mccall, Kerri E Rodriguez, Shelley Macdermid Wadsworth, Laura A Meis, Marguerite E OhaireAbstract:Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have corrosive impacts on family relationships and individual functioning. Emerging evidence has shown that psychiatric Service Dogs may be an effective com...
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Service Dogs for veterans and military members with posttraumatic stress disorder replication with the ptsd checklist for dsm 5
Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2020Co-Authors: Clare L Jensen, Kerri E Rodriguez, Marguerite E OhaireAbstract:Psychiatric Service Dogs are an emerging complementary intervention for veterans and military members with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent cross-sectional studies have documented significant, clinically relevant effects regarding Service Dogs and PTSD symptom severity. However, these studies were conducted using the PTSD Checklist (PCL) for the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The present study aimed to replicate and advance these findings using the latest version of the PCL for the fifth edition of the DSM (PCL-5). Participants included 186 military members and veterans who had received a PTSD Service dog (n = 112) or who were on the waitlist to receive one in the future (n = 74). A cross-sectional design was used to investigate the association between having a Service dog and PCL-5 total and symptom cluster scores. After controlling for demographic variables, there was a significant association between having a Service dog and lower PTSD symptom severity both in total, B = -14.52, p < .001, d = -0.96, and with regard to each symptom cluster, ps < .001, ds = -0.78 to -0.94. The results replicated existing findings using the largest sample size to date and the most recent version of the PCL. These findings provide additional preliminary evidence for the efficacy of Service Dogs as a complementary intervention for military members and veterans with PTSD and add to a growing body of foundational research serving to rationalize investment in the further clinical evaluation of this emerging practice.
Kerri E Rodriguez - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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benefits and challenges of mobility and medical alert Service Dogs for caregivers of Service dog recipients
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2021Co-Authors: Leanne O Nieforth, Kerri E Rodriguez, Marguerite E OhaireAbstract:PURPOSE Mobility and medical alert Service Dogs are an assistive technology for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. Informal caregivers of individuals with disabilities are subject to physical and emotional stress due to their responsibilities. Understanding how Service Dogs, an increasingly common assistive technology, may add to or subtract from caregiver stress is crucial for promoting caregiver well-being. The purpose of this study was to analyze caregiver accounts to understand their perspective on benefits and challenges they face with mobility and medical alert Service Dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Open ended survey responses from 117 caregivers of Service dog recipients (N = 72 with a Service dog, N = 45 on the waitlist) were analysed through a conventional content analysis. RESULTS Four major themes were found regarding caregiver and Service dog: Family Benefits, Caregiver Benefits, Assistance Through Service Dog's Training, and Drawbacks. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that benefits and challenges of mobility and medical Service Dogs extend beyond the Service dog recipient, affecting the caregiver and other family members as well. Future studies should further explore this interaction to determine the best way to support caregivers of individuals with disabilities.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMobility and medical alert Service Dogs are increasingly partnered with individuals with disabilities or chronic diseases as an assistive technology but few studies have focussed on the experience of the caregivers of Service dog recipients. Caregivers of individuals with disabilities or chronic diseases may be subject to both psychological and physiological stressors as a result of their caregiver duties.Results found that caregivers perceive both benefits to themselves and to their families in terms building a bond with the animal that helps to reduce worry and offers emotional support. The most commonly mentioned drawbacks include general maintenance of the Service dog, grooming needs and travel restrictions.This research is important in order to offer appropriate support to caregivers of individuals with disabilities.
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expectations versus experiences of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder ptsd Service Dogs an inductive conventional content analysis
Psychological Trauma: Theory Research Practice and Policy, 2021Co-Authors: Leanne O Nieforth, Kerri E Rodriguez, Marguerite E OhaireAbstract:Objective: The objective of this study was twofold: to describe the benefits and drawbacks of a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Service dog from the perspective of Veterans with Service Dogs and to compare these reports to the expectations of Veterans who were on a waitlist for a PTSD Service dog. Method: A total of 128 U.S. post-9/11 Veterans with PTSD were recruited from a nonprofit Service dog provider (K9s for Warriors), including n = 69 with a PTSD Service dog and n = 59 on the waitlist. Participant responses to open-ended survey questions were analyzed with conventional content analysis and classified into 214 codes across six subthemes, creating three larger themes. A subset (20%) of the data was independently coded to establish interrater reliability (Cohen's κ = .804). Frequency data were used to compare theme and subtheme prevalence between groups. Results: Veterans' experiences and expectations were centered on the effects the Service Dogs had on Veteran mental health, human-dog interaction, and the associated drawbacks. Although the majority of Veterans reported benefits from their Service Dogs, the findings revealed that Veterans on the waitlist more frequently mentioned benefits than those with a Service dog. Study findings suggest that the drawbacks expected from Service Dogs differ from the drawbacks experienced. Conclusion: Understanding expectations versus experiences provides critical information for mental health professionals who are informing Veterans on individualized interventions for PTSD. This knowledge will enable professionals to temper expectations and educate Veterans on specific benefits and drawbacks so that they have a more rounded view of PTSD Service Dogs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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a part of our family effects of psychiatric Service Dogs on quality of life and relationship functioning in military connected couples
Military behavioral health, 2020Co-Authors: Christine E Mccall, Kerri E Rodriguez, Shelley Macdermid Wadsworth, Laura A Meis, Marguerite E OhaireAbstract:Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have corrosive impacts on family relationships and individual functioning. Emerging evidence has shown that psychiatric Service Dogs may be an effective com...
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Service Dogs for veterans and military members with posttraumatic stress disorder replication with the ptsd checklist for dsm 5
Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2020Co-Authors: Clare L Jensen, Kerri E Rodriguez, Marguerite E OhaireAbstract:Psychiatric Service Dogs are an emerging complementary intervention for veterans and military members with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent cross-sectional studies have documented significant, clinically relevant effects regarding Service Dogs and PTSD symptom severity. However, these studies were conducted using the PTSD Checklist (PCL) for the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The present study aimed to replicate and advance these findings using the latest version of the PCL for the fifth edition of the DSM (PCL-5). Participants included 186 military members and veterans who had received a PTSD Service dog (n = 112) or who were on the waitlist to receive one in the future (n = 74). A cross-sectional design was used to investigate the association between having a Service dog and PCL-5 total and symptom cluster scores. After controlling for demographic variables, there was a significant association between having a Service dog and lower PTSD symptom severity both in total, B = -14.52, p < .001, d = -0.96, and with regard to each symptom cluster, ps < .001, ds = -0.78 to -0.94. The results replicated existing findings using the largest sample size to date and the most recent version of the PCL. These findings provide additional preliminary evidence for the efficacy of Service Dogs as a complementary intervention for military members and veterans with PTSD and add to a growing body of foundational research serving to rationalize investment in the further clinical evaluation of this emerging practice.
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defining the ptsd Service dog intervention perceived importance usage and symptom specificity of psychiatric Service Dogs for military veterans
Frontiers in Psychology, 2020Co-Authors: Kerri E Rodriguez, Megan R Lafollette, Karin Hediger, Niwako Ogata, Marguerite E OhaireAbstract:Research suggests that psychiatric Service Dogs may be an effective complementary treatment option for military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although this practice continues to increase in popularity and research has reached the rigor of clinical trials, the components of the PTSD Service dog intervention remain largely undefined. This research aimed to (1) quantify the importance, usage, and PTSD symptom specificity of Service dog trained and untrained behaviors, (2) explore how PTSD severity, time since receiving the Service dog, and the veteran-dog relationship relate to outcomes, and (3) compare expectations of veterans on the waitlist to experiences of veterans with Service Dogs. In a cross-sectional design, 217 post-9/11 military veterans with PTSD were recruited from a national Service dog provider, including n = 134 with a Service dog and n = 83 on the waitlist. Results showed that the Service dog's trained tasks of calming and interrupting anxiety were perceived as the most important for veterans' PTSD, the most frequently used in a typical day, and as helping the most PTSD symptoms. Trained tasks were most helpful to the PTSD symptoms of hypervigilance and intrusion, and least helpful toward the symptoms of amnesia and risk-taking. Although all trained tasks were helpful toward PTSD symptoms, veterans rated the Service dog's untrained behaviors on average as more important for their PTSD. After controlling for covariates, there was no relationship between a veteran's PTSD severity and perceived importance or frequency of task use. However, veterans who reported feeling closer to their Service Dogs reported using trained tasks more often, and veterans who had their Service Dogs for longer reported using trained tasks less often. Finally, veterans on the waitlist reported higher expectations regarding task use and importance than described by veterans with a Service dog. In conclusion, findings describe the core components of the PTSD Service dog intervention by quantifying the use and value of trained and untrained dog behaviors. Overall, this study helps explain the PTSD Service dog's clinically relevant value while contributing to the scientific understanding of this emerging practice.
Noel Champagne - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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fear reactivity in working Dogs an analysis of 37 years of behavioural data from the mira foundation s future Service Dogs
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2019Co-Authors: Nicolas Dollion, Noel Champagne, Amelie Paulus, Nicolas Stpierre, Eric Stpierre, Marcel Trudel, Pierrich PlusquellecAbstract:Abstract Defining and predicting a dog’s personality is a major concern for groups providing Service and/or working Dogs. The Mira Foundation is a non-profit organisation offering Service Dogs to autistic children and individuals with motor or visual disabilities. Since its establishment in 1981, the Foundation has donated thousands of Dogs and registered behavioural data on its Dogs by relying on rigorous and standardised procedures. First, at 6 and 12 months of age, while the Dogs are in a foster family, data are collected using questionnaires to assess the presence or absence of specific behaviours (QFFs). Then, at 1 year of age, just prior to receiving professional training, dog trainers conduct a set of short behavioural tests to evaluate Dogs for various traits that are key for training. Exploiting the unique database created by the Foundation, this study aimed to investigate whether, as pointed out in the literature, fearfulness can be a reliable predictor of adult dog personality traits and of qualification as a Service dog. More specifically, three goals were pursued in the present study: 1) to study the possibility of extracting fearfulness dimensions at 6 months and 1 year of age; 2) to assess the stability of this dimension across development and across the types of evaluations; 3) to assess its predictive value for future qualification as a Service dog (i.e. guide dog, assistance dog, dog for ASD children, or breeder); and 4) to investigate the impact of sex and breed on the likelihood of achieving qualification as a Service dog and on Fear/Reactivity at 1 year of age. The analysis revealed the presence of a Fear/Reactivity personality dimension in Dogs across the three evaluations. The results confirmed the consistency of this dimension between 6 and 12 months of age (QFFs), and in the behavioural evaluation at 1 year of age. Furthermore, the Fear/Reactivity dimension significantly predicted dog disqualification from training programmes and also the subtype of the programme in which Dogs will be certified. Finally, the results indicated that a dog’s Fear/Reactivity and likeliness to qualify in a specific programme varied according to its sex and breed.
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psychiatric Service Dogs as a tertiary prevention modality for veterans living with post traumatic stress disorder
Mental Health & Prevention, 2018Co-Authors: Genevieve Lessard, Claude Vincent, Dany H Gagnon, Genevieve Belleville, Edouard Auger, Vicky Lavoie, Markus Besemann, Noel Champagne, Frederic Dumont, Elisabeth BelandAbstract:Abstract Objective To document the usability of psychiatric Service Dogs (PsySDs) as a tertiary prevention modality from the perspective of veterans who have been using a PsySD 2 to 4 years as an assistive aid for post-traumatic stress disorder symptom (PTSD) management. Method A case series study with PsySD primary users was carried out with 10 Canadian veterans recruited from 4 different dog training schools. Researchers conducted semi-structured telephone interviews and asked questions pertaining to four domains addressing the PsySD’s ‘usability’. A content and thematic analysis were realized using an inductive and deductive approach. Results Our conceptual framework proposes four main themes with their associated subthemes:: 1-Service dog’s roles and tasks (8 subthemes, e.g. acting as a socializing agent, maintaining an appropriate free space around the veteran), 2-Personal advantages and Environmental impacts (8 subthemes, e.g. alleviating symptoms; increasing outings and physical activities, enabling social interactions and relationship building), 3-Obstacles (4 subthemes, e.g. high costs of dog maintenance, dog’s presence attracted unwanted public attention, prompting intrusive questions), and 4-Recommendations for PsySD programs (16 subthemes, e.g. creating a national registry for PsySD, encouraging mental health practitioners’ involvement). Conclusions and Implications for Practice Themes 1 and 2 are positive perceptions, and theme 4 suggests relevant potential improvements. The current study offers insights into how PsySDs concretely assist primary users and can help addressing PTSD chronicity. It presents the roles professionals may play when dealing with patients using PsySDs for PTSD. The proposed conceptual framework can be useful to policy makers, dog trainers and caregivers.
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effectiveness of Service Dogs for veterans with ptsd preliminary outcomes
Studies in health technology and informatics, 2017Co-Authors: Claude Vincent, Dany H Gagnon, Genevieve Belleville, Edouard Auger, Vicky Lavoie, Markus Besemann, Noel Champagne, Frederic Dumont, Genevieve LessartAbstract:Limited scientific evidence on the effectiveness of psychiatric Service Dogs used by Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is available. This study investigated their short-term effectiveness among 15 Canadian veterans who received a first psychiatric Service dog. Preliminary results suggest potential beneficial effects at 3 months on the psychiatric symptoms.
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effect of Service Dogs on manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury a pilot study
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 2013Co-Authors: Geoffroy Hubert, Helene Corriveau, Francois Routhier, Michel Tousignant, Noel ChampagneAbstract:Service Dogs help people with mobility impairments. They are trained to perform a variety of tasks, such as opening doors, retrieving the telephone, picking up objects, and pulling manual wheelchairs (MWCs). More specifically, using the traction provided by the Service dog has physical benefits because MWC users can operate their MWCs with less effort. The objective of this study was to document the effect of a Service dog on MWC mobility and user shoulder pain, social participation, and quality of life. Eleven MWC users with spinal cord injury were assessed before and after training with a Service dog and 7 mo later. Based on a standardized protocol, all study participants learned how to use the Service dog safely and how to move around efficiently in different environments and under different conditions. Results showed that using a Service dog increased the distance covered by the MWC users and also significantly decreased shoulder pain and intensity of effort. Using the Service dog also produced slight but significant improvements in MWC user skills and social participation and may indicate a trend for improvement in quality of life. More extensive research is needed to precisely identify the effect of Service Dogs on the long-term management of MWC use.
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effect of Service Dogs on salivary cortisol secretion in autistic children
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2010Co-Authors: Robert Viau, Noel Champagne, Genevieve Arsenaultlapierre, Stephanie Fecteau, Clairedominique Walker, Sonia J LupienAbstract:Children with Autism Syndrome Disorders (ASDs) exhibit social, communicative, and behavioral deficits. We know that human interaction with Dogs, which is thought to serve as a social catalyst, results in a decrease of cortisol levels in healthy adults. Introducing Service Dogs to children with ASD is an attractive idea that has received growing attention in recent decades. However, no study has measured the physiological impact of Service Dogs on these children. Therefore, the goal of our study was to assess the effects of Service Dogs on the basal salivary cortisol secretion of children with ASD. We measured the salivary cortisol levels of 42 children with ASD in three experimental conditions; prior to and during the introduction of a Service dog to their family, and after a short period during which the dog was removed from their family. We compared average cortisol levels and Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) before and during the introduction of the dog to the family and after its withdrawal. We found that the introduction of Service Dogs translated into a statistically significant diminished CAR. Before the introduction of Service Dogs, we measured a 58% increase in morning cortisol after awakening, which diminished to 10% when Service Dogs were present. The increase in morning cortisol jumped back to 48% once the Dogs were removed from the families (p<0.05). However, Service Dogs did not have an effect on the children's average diurnal cortisol levels. These results show that the CAR of children with ASD is sensitive to the presence of Service Dogs, which lends support to the potential behavioral benefits of Service Dogs for children with autism.
Francois Routhier - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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facilitators and barriers to the use of Service Dogs an exploratory study using the theoretical domains framework
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2020Co-Authors: Me Lamontagne, Claude Vincent, Mas Djossa Adoun, A K Blanchette, C Champagne, Mp Johnson, Francois RouthierAbstract:Purpose: Given the scarcity of Service Dogs to help individuals with mobility impairments in the community, it is crucial to identify facilitators and obstacles to the acquisition and use of Service Dogs in order to optimize their use and have a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. The goal of this study was to describe perceived facilitators and barriers influencing the acquisition and use of Service dog by owners and rehabilitation providers, including those who had and had not recommended Service Dogs.Method: We conducted a phenomenological qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with nine Service dog owners and 13 rehabilitation professionals in Canada. Our questionnaires were based on the Theoretical Domains Framework and the data were analyzed using a thematic content approach.Results: Knowledge, beliefs about consequences, and environmental context and resources were the domains most frequently mentioned by both dog owners and rehabilitation professionals. While Service dog owners placed greater importance on their belief in their capacity to get and use Service Dogs, rehabilitation professionals focussed more on their role and identity within the process.Conclusion: Improving the knowledge of the availability and process of acquiring Service Dogs would be important for rehabilitation professions to improve the quality of life and functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.Implications for rehabilitationIdentifying determinants of Service dog acquisition and use can support proposed strategies to optimize the use of this assistive technology;Determinants of Service dog acquisition and use are are different for dog owners and rehabilitation professionals, which suggest the need of tailored knowledge translation strategies;Knowledge, beliefs about consequences, and environmental context and resources were the categories of determinants perceived as being more influential on the process.
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Service Dogs in the province of quebec sociodemographic profile of users and the Dogs impact on functional ability
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2015Co-Authors: Claude Vincent, Dany H Gagnon, Francois Routhier, Jean Leblond, Pascale Boucher, Marie Blanchet, Valerie MartinlemoyneAbstract:AbstractPurpose: The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the sociodemographic profile of Service dog users, their physical disabilities, main occupations, living environment, and use of technical aids in daily life and (2) evaluate the impact of Service Dogs on wheelchair travel and picking up objects. Method: Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected and various mobility tests were conducted in the Service dog users’ home environment (n = 199). Results: The Service dog users had injuries to the central or peripheral nervous system (55%), spinal cord (33%), or musculoskeletal or orthopedic system (12%). In the wheelchair travel on flat terrain test (n = 67), users travelled a longer distance in a shorter time, improving their average speed to 1.28 m/s with the Service dog compared to 0.75 m/s without (p < 0.001). In a wheelchair propelling up a slope, 42% improved with the Service dog (n = 60). Mounting a threshold/curb in a wheelchair, 41% improved with the Service dog (n = 39). In a te...
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Service Dogs for people with spinal cord injury outcomes regarding functional mobility and important occupations
Studies in health technology and informatics, 2015Co-Authors: Claude Vincent, Dany H Gagnon, Frederic Dumont, Francois Routhier, Lise Poissant, Helene Corriveau, Michel TousignantAbstract:No research using standardized tests based on direct observations along with longitudinal studies have shown the effects of Service Dogs on persons with mobility impairment. Our research objectives were to document the consequences of the use of the Service dog on wheelchair propelling, grasping objects, shoulder pain, occupational performance, reintegration into normal living and psychosocial impacts for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). A cross sectional study was conducted with 45 males and 21 females with SCI (average age = 41.2). They were assessed in their homes and their communities, two to five years after they received their Service Dogs. Observations were based on four testing methods. An ongoing longitudinal study is reported, based on 9 months (n = 8 to 16) of data from four standardised questionnaires. Results demonstrate that Services Dogs are an efficient assistive technology for persons with SCI.
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effect of Service Dogs on manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury a pilot study
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 2013Co-Authors: Geoffroy Hubert, Helene Corriveau, Francois Routhier, Michel Tousignant, Noel ChampagneAbstract:Service Dogs help people with mobility impairments. They are trained to perform a variety of tasks, such as opening doors, retrieving the telephone, picking up objects, and pulling manual wheelchairs (MWCs). More specifically, using the traction provided by the Service dog has physical benefits because MWC users can operate their MWCs with less effort. The objective of this study was to document the effect of a Service dog on MWC mobility and user shoulder pain, social participation, and quality of life. Eleven MWC users with spinal cord injury were assessed before and after training with a Service dog and 7 mo later. Based on a standardized protocol, all study participants learned how to use the Service dog safely and how to move around efficiently in different environments and under different conditions. Results showed that using a Service dog increased the distance covered by the MWC users and also significantly decreased shoulder pain and intensity of effort. Using the Service dog also produced slight but significant improvements in MWC user skills and social participation and may indicate a trend for improvement in quality of life. More extensive research is needed to precisely identify the effect of Service Dogs on the long-term management of MWC use.
Claude Vincent - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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facilitators and barriers to the use of Service Dogs an exploratory study using the theoretical domains framework
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2020Co-Authors: Me Lamontagne, Claude Vincent, Mas Djossa Adoun, A K Blanchette, C Champagne, Mp Johnson, Francois RouthierAbstract:Purpose: Given the scarcity of Service Dogs to help individuals with mobility impairments in the community, it is crucial to identify facilitators and obstacles to the acquisition and use of Service Dogs in order to optimize their use and have a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. The goal of this study was to describe perceived facilitators and barriers influencing the acquisition and use of Service dog by owners and rehabilitation providers, including those who had and had not recommended Service Dogs.Method: We conducted a phenomenological qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with nine Service dog owners and 13 rehabilitation professionals in Canada. Our questionnaires were based on the Theoretical Domains Framework and the data were analyzed using a thematic content approach.Results: Knowledge, beliefs about consequences, and environmental context and resources were the domains most frequently mentioned by both dog owners and rehabilitation professionals. While Service dog owners placed greater importance on their belief in their capacity to get and use Service Dogs, rehabilitation professionals focussed more on their role and identity within the process.Conclusion: Improving the knowledge of the availability and process of acquiring Service Dogs would be important for rehabilitation professions to improve the quality of life and functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.Implications for rehabilitationIdentifying determinants of Service dog acquisition and use can support proposed strategies to optimize the use of this assistive technology;Determinants of Service dog acquisition and use are are different for dog owners and rehabilitation professionals, which suggest the need of tailored knowledge translation strategies;Knowledge, beliefs about consequences, and environmental context and resources were the categories of determinants perceived as being more influential on the process.
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psychiatric Service Dogs as a tertiary prevention modality for veterans living with post traumatic stress disorder
Mental Health & Prevention, 2018Co-Authors: Genevieve Lessard, Claude Vincent, Dany H Gagnon, Genevieve Belleville, Edouard Auger, Vicky Lavoie, Markus Besemann, Noel Champagne, Frederic Dumont, Elisabeth BelandAbstract:Abstract Objective To document the usability of psychiatric Service Dogs (PsySDs) as a tertiary prevention modality from the perspective of veterans who have been using a PsySD 2 to 4 years as an assistive aid for post-traumatic stress disorder symptom (PTSD) management. Method A case series study with PsySD primary users was carried out with 10 Canadian veterans recruited from 4 different dog training schools. Researchers conducted semi-structured telephone interviews and asked questions pertaining to four domains addressing the PsySD’s ‘usability’. A content and thematic analysis were realized using an inductive and deductive approach. Results Our conceptual framework proposes four main themes with their associated subthemes:: 1-Service dog’s roles and tasks (8 subthemes, e.g. acting as a socializing agent, maintaining an appropriate free space around the veteran), 2-Personal advantages and Environmental impacts (8 subthemes, e.g. alleviating symptoms; increasing outings and physical activities, enabling social interactions and relationship building), 3-Obstacles (4 subthemes, e.g. high costs of dog maintenance, dog’s presence attracted unwanted public attention, prompting intrusive questions), and 4-Recommendations for PsySD programs (16 subthemes, e.g. creating a national registry for PsySD, encouraging mental health practitioners’ involvement). Conclusions and Implications for Practice Themes 1 and 2 are positive perceptions, and theme 4 suggests relevant potential improvements. The current study offers insights into how PsySDs concretely assist primary users and can help addressing PTSD chronicity. It presents the roles professionals may play when dealing with patients using PsySDs for PTSD. The proposed conceptual framework can be useful to policy makers, dog trainers and caregivers.
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effectiveness of Service Dogs for veterans with ptsd preliminary outcomes
Studies in health technology and informatics, 2017Co-Authors: Claude Vincent, Dany H Gagnon, Genevieve Belleville, Edouard Auger, Vicky Lavoie, Markus Besemann, Noel Champagne, Frederic Dumont, Genevieve LessartAbstract:Limited scientific evidence on the effectiveness of psychiatric Service Dogs used by Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is available. This study investigated their short-term effectiveness among 15 Canadian veterans who received a first psychiatric Service dog. Preliminary results suggest potential beneficial effects at 3 months on the psychiatric symptoms.
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Service Dogs in the province of quebec sociodemographic profile of users and the Dogs impact on functional ability
Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2015Co-Authors: Claude Vincent, Dany H Gagnon, Francois Routhier, Jean Leblond, Pascale Boucher, Marie Blanchet, Valerie MartinlemoyneAbstract:AbstractPurpose: The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the sociodemographic profile of Service dog users, their physical disabilities, main occupations, living environment, and use of technical aids in daily life and (2) evaluate the impact of Service Dogs on wheelchair travel and picking up objects. Method: Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected and various mobility tests were conducted in the Service dog users’ home environment (n = 199). Results: The Service dog users had injuries to the central or peripheral nervous system (55%), spinal cord (33%), or musculoskeletal or orthopedic system (12%). In the wheelchair travel on flat terrain test (n = 67), users travelled a longer distance in a shorter time, improving their average speed to 1.28 m/s with the Service dog compared to 0.75 m/s without (p < 0.001). In a wheelchair propelling up a slope, 42% improved with the Service dog (n = 60). Mounting a threshold/curb in a wheelchair, 41% improved with the Service dog (n = 39). In a te...
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Service Dogs for people with spinal cord injury outcomes regarding functional mobility and important occupations
Studies in health technology and informatics, 2015Co-Authors: Claude Vincent, Dany H Gagnon, Frederic Dumont, Francois Routhier, Lise Poissant, Helene Corriveau, Michel TousignantAbstract:No research using standardized tests based on direct observations along with longitudinal studies have shown the effects of Service Dogs on persons with mobility impairment. Our research objectives were to document the consequences of the use of the Service dog on wheelchair propelling, grasping objects, shoulder pain, occupational performance, reintegration into normal living and psychosocial impacts for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). A cross sectional study was conducted with 45 males and 21 females with SCI (average age = 41.2). They were assessed in their homes and their communities, two to five years after they received their Service Dogs. Observations were based on four testing methods. An ongoing longitudinal study is reported, based on 9 months (n = 8 to 16) of data from four standardised questionnaires. Results demonstrate that Services Dogs are an efficient assistive technology for persons with SCI.