Is there a role for dogs in General Practice (version 1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Should primary healthcare professionals offer increased exposure to dogs to support the health and wellbeing of people with cardiovascular risk factors? Exploring the perceptions of healthcare professionals and patients.
IRAS ID
257810
Contact name
Abi Hall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 4 days
Research summary
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that being around dogs can benefit health and wellbeing. Research has shown walking dogs helps with weight loss and being around dogs can help reduce blood pressure and anxiety. Exercise has been shown to be one of the best things for reducing high blood pressure, weight and improving diabetic control, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. There are already schemes to refer patients to the gym, but not everyone is interested in this type of activity or unable to access it. Dogs are already being used in hospitals, care homes and hospices to reduce stress and anxiety and improve engagement and rapport. This study aims to find out if there is a role for dogs in General Practice for patients with risk factors for heart disease, either through social prescribing or emotional support in the surgery. Participants will be interviewed to find out if they think dogs could benefit the health and well-being of patients in General Practice and how these ideas could be put into practice.
Eligible participants will be adults diagnosed with high blood pressure, obesity or diabetes and General Practitioners (GP's) and Practice Nurses (PN's) who work with this group of patients.
Participants will be recruited from General Practice surgeries in Devon and will undergo a single semi-structured interview lasting 30 to 45 minutes after written consent has been obtained. Interviews will be audio taped and take place at a time and location convenient for the participant.REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0805
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion