Views from a physician and veterinarian: How to improve barriers to pet care when owners are hospitalized
The human-animal bond is often so strong that pet owners may delay or forgo medical treatment or leave a health care facility against medical advice if they have no one to care for their pet at home. A perspective paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine explains why pet owners may need different approaches to care when hospitalized, according to an Emory University physician and an…
In an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a physician and a veterinarian discuss how to improve barriers to pet care for patients hospitalized against medical advice. Reshma Jagsi, MD, DPhil, and Rustin Moore, DVM, Ph.D., began discussing this issue after their own experiences with pet care during illness. Jagsi recounted how her Goldendoodle, Daisy, became seriously ill, which highlighted the importance of animal care in human health.
Moore noted that many patients consider their pets an integral part of their family, and the bond between them can be as crucial as human relationships. However, when people become seriously ill, the care of their pets can be neglected, leading to disruptions in the human-animal bond. Surveys show that most U.S. households include pets, and many consider their pets as family members.
The researchers argue that asking about pet ownership in clinical settings could improve communication and help patients make informed decisions about their care. They suggest that this simple question could trigger referrals to case management or social work to support pet care during hospitalization. While the implementation efforts are currently fragmented, the researchers advocate for a more comprehensive approach to family-centered care that recognizes the important role of pets in patients' lives.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
