This course explores the impact of animal-assisted interactions on the quality of life for children with relapsed or refractory cancer and their parents, drawing on findings from a randomized controlled pilot study. Participants will examine the study’s purpose, design, and methodology, focusing on how animal-assisted sessions—conducted weekly for about fifteen minutes—were integrated into pediatric oncology care. The course will interpret health-related quality of life outcomes, analyze challenges in measuring these outcomes, and discuss the differences between child self-reports and parental reports. Learners will also consider the limitations of current assessment tools, such as the inclusion of irrelevant items for this patient population, and review the main strengths of the research, including its targeted design. The course concludes by formulating implications for future studies and potential integration of animal-assisted therapy into pediatric oncology nursing practice, emphasizing the need for larger samples and refined measures to advance the field.
The program content has been reviewed by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) and is acceptable for recertification points. You may claim 1 NCPD in one of the following ILNA categories: Care Continuum, Psychosocial Dimensions of Care, OR Care of the Pediatric Hem/Onc Patient
The Association for Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This provider is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 14513.None of the planners for this activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies.Questions or concerns? Contact education@aphon.org.