We all know, whether from direct or indirect experience, what hospitals are like and what happens in them. Some are born, others die, others recover and move on… Life comes and goes through hospital corridors and rooms. Staying in a hospital is usually difficult, both for patients and their families. And it is even more so when the patients are children.
Over the years, we have heard about many charitable initiatives, created within hospitals themselves or led by associations or organizations, that help to make the stay of the youngest patients more bearable. Juegaterapia (which focuses on the benefits of play for hospitalized children) and the Theodora Foundation (which has the support of the Giggle Doctors) are two wonderful examples of this.
But today we want to share an initiative that has touched us especially deeply, since it involves children and ARISTOPERROS. The Rey Juan Carlos University Hospital in Móstoles (Madrid) has launched a pioneering initiative to make life more pleasant for children admitted there.
From now on, Tuesday will become the most eagerly awaited moment of the week for the youngest patients. From five to six, children who have ARISTOPERROS can meet their best friends at the healthcare center.
Global trends point to personalization as the key to offering any product or service. It makes sense, therefore, that medicine and healthcare should be the same. Because personalization is the best ally for improving hospital care. In fact, the Healthcare Humanization Plan promoted by the Community of Madrid considers personalization one of its strategic pillars.
In the case of minors, personalization is even more important. For them, being admitted to hospital is a particularly difficult, boring and seemingly endless experience. That is why the hospital’s Pediatrics department tries to alleviate this ordeal by making them feel at home —as far as possible.
That is why children are encouraged to sleep in their own pajamas, eat «home-cooked» food (instead of the typically bland hospital food), play with their toys… And from now on, also receive visits from their most beloved friends: their ARISTOPERROS.
Currently, visits can last only one hour (although that is better than not seeing them at all, right?), but in the long term, it is hoped that visits from the dogs can take place twice a week. Everything will depend on the success of the initiative, but knowing how strong, special and beneficial the relationship between children and their ARISTOPETS is (which we have already talked to you about on another occasion), it is reasonable to expect it to work wonderfully.
From a medical perspective (which is the most important in this case), it improves the children’s mood, as the visit from the dog breaks the monotony of the days spent in hospital and becomes a compelling reason to «keep going» and endure injections, IV drips, syrups… and everything children have to put up with in order to recover. As a result, all this helps to shorten the time children spend in hospital.
With all that said, let’s summarize the key points for taking advantage of this initiative.
Which patients can receive a visit from their ARISTOPERRO at the hospital?
Admitted children aged between one and 15 years, provided they are clinically stable.
Who cannot receive a visit from their ARISTOPERRO?
–Children subject to any type of isolation
—Children with respiratory problems who need oxygen
—Children with mobility problems or difficulties
—Children who are clinically unstable
What needs to be done to request a visit from a dog?
Complete an application form, available from the hospital’s Patient Information and Support Service.
Which ARISTOPERROS can visit the hospital?
—All of them, provided their breed is not on the list of those considered potentially dangerous (according to RD 287/2002)
—Dogs that are up to date on their required vaccinations
Rules to keep in mind
—The dogs must have been thoroughly brushed before entering the hospital, to prevent shedding in the facility as much as possible
—They must have relieved themselves (the reason for this is obvious)
—They must remain under the care and supervision of an adult handler at all times
As you can see, this is a moving and highly positive initiative for everyone. For the young patients, their families (who are surely happy to see the reunion), and for dignifying the role of pets in our society, as well as demonstrating that healthcare is based not only on science, but above all on humanity, empathy and affection.
