Lending a Paw to Music Therapy: Tails of Collaboration

The purpose of this session is to present a co-treatment model that combines music therapy and child life animal-assisted interventions to enhance therapeutic outcomes for patients through multi-sensory engagement. Participants will gain an understanding of the unique benefits of this co-treatment model, as well as practical strategies for ethical collaboration, session planning, and integrating facility dogs into therapeutic interventions. Utilizing a multi-sensory approach, guiding participants through an intervention, and highlighting case studies, attendees will learn about collaborating with music therapy, identify benefits of co-treating, and apply examples to clinical practice. Considerations regarding assessment, intervention, and evidence-based practices will be highlighted.

To create thoughtful and collaborative interventions for patients, the presenters first deepened their individual understanding of each others' professions and patient goals. Next, the presenters created an overview of research utilized to develop evidence-based practices for the model. The presenters assessed the challenges of co-treating to develop a protocol for providing combined services. Challenges in prioritization, patient schedules, and availability were highlighted. The main goal was identified as creating thoughtful interventions to reach shared treatment goals while utilizing both professionals' specialties. The presenters developed a model that follows the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation process to ensure consistent outcomes.

Presenters will guide an example intervention with multi-sensory input-, using props to demonstrate how this approach can provide nervous system regulation. Participants will identify how tactile and relational input from the dog enhances the child's participation. The presenters will then guide participants through reflection to enhance understanding.

Lastly, presenters will demonstrate three case study examples from the cardiac/pediatric intensive care units highlighting this model and the benefits of collaboration. These case studies will strengthen attendees' understanding and inspire further exploration of this co-treatment model. Patient information, diagnosis, assessment, intervention, and outcomes will be discussed.

Suggested Domain: Assessment, Intervention
Credits: 1.0 PDU

Please note: All webinar content and its certificate will expire on 4/16/29, regardless of when it is purchased, accessed, or completed. At that point, contents will no longer be available in any form, including as an archive or as a PDU certificate. It is the responsibility of the learner to complete the contents and download and save the certificate for their records prior to 4/16/29.