Exploring the Perceptions of Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury Participating in Animal-Assisted Therapy with Domesticated Ducks.

Abstract

Background: Green Care therapies were developed in the late 20th century as nature-based interventions aimed at supporting recovery for individuals with mental and physical health challenges. Animal-assisted therapy with farm animals (AATF), a branch of Green Care, involves engaging individuals with farm animals in natural settings to promote healing. Previous studies have shown the benefits of animal-assisted therapies (AAT) for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), suggesting AATF could offer similar advantages. This study aimed to examine the impact of an AATF program using domesticated ducks as therapeutic companions for individuals with TBI. Objective: The primary objective was to explore how individuals with TBI perceive their participation in an AATF-based therapeutic intervention. Methods: The study involved a 12-week AATF program, with semi-structured interviews conducted postintervention to capture participants' experiences. A qualitative descriptive approach with atheoretical thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes from the data. Results: Four key themes were developed from the analysis: Emotional Wellbeing, Attachment, Care, and Nature and Environment. These themes reflected participants' shared experiences and highlighted the perceived benefits of AATF in TBI rehabilitation. Conclusion: This study presents AATF, specifically involving domesticated ducks, as an innovative therapeutic intervention for individuals with TBI. The findings suggest that fostering meaningful connections with animals significantly enhances emotional well-being and provides a promising approach to improving rehabilitation outcomes for individuals living with TBI.