Experiences and effectiveness of canine-assisted interventions on the health and well-being of older people residing in long-term care: a mixed methods systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize and integrate the best available evidence on the experiences and effectiveness of canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) on the health and well-being of older people residing in long-term care.

INTRODUCTION: Canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) are commonly used as an adjunct therapy to enhance health and well-being and are often implemented in long-term care facilities. The number of studies undertaken in this area has increased substantially over the last five years; therefore, an update of two previous systematic reviews is warranted.

INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will consider older people who reside in long-term care facilities and who receive CAIs. For the quantitative component, CAIs will be compared to usual care, alternative therapeutic interventions or no interventions, and outcomes will be grouped under the following headings: biological, psychological and social. For the qualitative component, the experiences of older people receiving CAIs, as well as the views of people directly or indirectly involved in delivering CAIs, will be explored. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies published from 2009 to the present will be considered.

METHODS: A search of 10 bibliographic databases and other various resources for published and unpublished English language studies will be undertaken. Study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction and data synthesis will be undertaken following the segregated JBI approach to mixed methods reviews.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO XXXXX.