Open Journal of Occupational Therapy
The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy Volume 6 Issue 3 Summer 2018
Article 12
7-1-2018
How Service Dogs Enhance Veterans’ Occupational Performance in the Home: A Qualitative Perspective Terry K . Crowe University of New Mexico, tcrowe@salud.unm.edu
Mylinh T. Nguyen HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital and, linhn368@gmail.com
See next page for additional authors
Credentials Display Terry K. Crowe, Ph.D., OTR/L; Mylinh T. Nguyen, MOT, OTR/L; Brenda G. Tryon, MOT, OTR/L; Stephanie Barger, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Victoria Sánchez, DrPH, MPH
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Recommended Citation Crowe, Terry K.; Nguyen, Mylinh T.; Tryon, Brenda G.; Barger, Stephanie; and Sanchez, Victoria (2018) “How Service Dogs Enhance Veterans’ Occupational Performance in the Home: A Qualitative Perspective,” The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy: Vol. 6: Iss. 3, Article 12. Available at: https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1468
How Service Dogs Enhance Veterans’ Occupational Performance in the Home: A Qualitative Perspective
Abstract Background: This qualitative study explored the lives of veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how the partnerships with their service dogs supported improved occupational performance in their homes.
Method: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with six veterans with PTSD and/or TBI who graduated and received their service dogs from the Paws and Stripes Program in Albuquerque, NM. Home activities of daily living (self-care, household tasks, leisure activities, and family and friend relationships) guided the interview questions. The individual interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded using qualitative data analysis software. Preliminary themes were independently developed by two graduate research assistants. Final themes and subthemes were generated by team consensus.
Results: The overarching theme was veteran and service dog partnerships improved occupational performance in the home. Four primary themes arose that supported the overarching theme: (a) providing physical safety and peace of mind; (b) supporting healthy behaviors; (c) my service dog, my hero; and (d) influencing family and friend relationships.
Discussion: Findings from this study support that veteran and service dog partnerships improved the veterans’ occupational performance in their homes. The service dogs assisted the veterans on physical and emotional levels and improved their healthy behaviors.
Comments Stephanie Barger reports that as the director of programs for Paws and Stripes, she has significant knowledge about the individuals studied in this program and did not take part in the collection or analysis of the data. The service dog vest is patent-pending.
Keywords veterans, service dogs, posttraumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, qualitative methods
Cover Page Footnote We offer a heartfelt thanks to Paws and Stripes for opening their doors to this research study and collaborating with us. We extend our sincere gratitude to all of the veterans and service dogs who participated in this study. We also thank the veteran who participated in the pilot study.
