Study: Therapy dogs reduce healthcare worker burnout

Editor's Note

Simple, non-judgmental interactions with therapy dogs could offer a valuable tool in combatting the widespread burnout seen across the healthcare industry.

That’s according to a September 16 EurekAlert! news release detailing a study highlighting the emotional support benefits of therapy dogs for not only patients, but also the healthcare workers who care for them. Conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, the study highlights the positive effects of the Buckeye Paws therapy dog program on reducing stress and improving workplace engagement among hospital staff. The research involved 64 healthcare workers, including nurses, physicians, and respiratory therapists, from intensive care and medical-surgical units.

According to the article, participants reported a significant improvement in mood after interacting with therapy dogs. In fact, positive mood ratings nearly doubled following these sessions. The interactions also reportedly reduced emotional exhaustion, stress, and burnout—a pressing issue as healthcare systems face staff shortages. 

Co-founded by Beth Steinberg, PhD, RN, and Mary Justice, The Buckeye Paws program launched in March 2020. The report details how therapy dog-handler teams, all volunteers, brought certified therapy dogs to clinical and break areas for short, unstructured interactions with staff. The program has since expanded to 29 teams.