Arbetsterapeuters kliniska resonemang vid användandet av terapihund

Sammanfattning: The purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical reasoning of occupational therapists in the use of therapy dogs. The authors conducted a qualitative study. The participants were eight occupational therapists who worked in different areas of activity. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed by qualitative content analysis. The analysis resulted in three categories: the occupational therapist's reasoning on which clients had a need to meet a therapy dog, the occupational therapist's reasoning regarding the planning of the client's therapy with therapy dog ​​and the occupational therapist's reasoning regarding the therapy dog's impact on clients. The result showed that occupational therapists often resonated similarly to those who had a need to meet a therapy dog. One common denominator was that everyone had to prioritize among the clients. Furthermore, occupational therapists described how they reasoned about planning the client's treatment, for example how often clients should meet therapy dogs. Resources were a common factor that determined this but also the clients and the institution. Several occupational therapists described that the therapy dog ​​facilitated their work because it was seen as a motivator to the clients. The result of this study can be used by occupational therapists who want to work or works with therapy dogs and gain an understanding of the clinical reasoning in the use of therapy dogs.