Enhancing Collaboration- The Clinical Nurse Specialist’s role in Integrating Animal Assisted Therapy to K-12 Schools
Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM–11:20 AM EST add to calendar
Podium
Topic of Interest
CNS Improving Outcomes
CNS as Researcher
Interprofessional Collaboration
CNS as Researcher
Interprofessional Collaboration
Abstract
- Significance & Background: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that over two-thirds of children have at least one traumatic event before the age of 16 and over 25% witnessed or experienced a traumatic event before the age of four. The application of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) in therapeutic interventions in schools show promising results and provides researchers opportunities to explore the scientific evidence of human-canine interactions. The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) can support collaborative efforts between school counselors and nurses to develop health and wellness policies for students experiencing traumatic events utilizing therapy canines within the K-12 school setting.
- Evaluation Methods: This study, funded by the 2020 CNS Institute grant, employed a quasi-experimental design with three data-points (pre-, post- and follow up at 6 months), to assess educational content and learning related to AAT interventions within the K-12 school system. The educational intervention was based on the School Counselor and School Nurse Collaboration Model. The Continuing Professional Development Reaction questionnaire was chosen for this study to evaluate professionals’ behavior in a K-12 school setting, specifically focusing on how knowledge translates into practice. This instrument was designed with intent to be used with different models or theories that focus on behavior change.
- Outcomes: Data collection among 160 participants for the pre-intervention was in-progress at the time of abstract submission with follow up questionnaires scheduled immediately post-educational session. Analysis will occur fall 2020 with outcomes presented at the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist annual conference.
- Implications: Researchers will explore the benefits of the CNS role in the K-12 school setting to facilitate collaborative AAT efforts by both the school nurse and school counselor. In addition, the impact AAT has on this collaboration when recognizing childhood trauma in the K-12 setting.