การทบทวนวรรณกรรมแบบกำหนดขอบเขตเพื่อการพัฒนานโยบายสุขภาพในการจัดบริการสุนัขนักบำบัด

Sornpravate Krajangkantamatr; Navaporn Chanbanchong; Oam To-aj; Weerasak Putthasri

Authors

Sornpravate Krajangkantamatr Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University
Navaporn Chanbanchong WEE Health Development Foundation
Oam To-aj Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University
Weerasak Putthasri WEE Health Development Foundation

Keywords:

dog-assisted therapy, animal assisted therapy, dog-assisted therapy policy, public policy, scoping review

Abstract

Animal- and dog-assisted therapy are widely recognized internationally; however, Thailand lacks a clear policy framework and standardized governance for therapy dog services. This study aimed to conduct a scoping review to synthesize policy-relevant evidence for developing health policies on therapy dog services, focusing on scope of services, target patients, and effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery. A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, reviewing literature published between 2014 and 2024 from international databases and gray literature. The findings were grouped into three key themes: (1) the scope of services operated as a network-based system encompassing standard setting, screening of animals and handlers, service delivery, and monitoring and evaluation; (2) target patients were diverse, with service eligibility emphasizing suitability, safety, and informed consent; and (3) effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery depended on operational standards, continuous monitoring and evaluation, and appropriate resource allocation. This study suggests that Thailand should develop an integrated health policy framework to ensure safe, standardized, and sustainable therapy dog services.

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