TY - JOUR
T1 - Developing a research agenda on NATure-based and Animal-assisted Intervention Strategies (NATAIS) in people with neurodegenerative diseases with a specific focus on social isolation and loneliness
T2 - a group concept mapping procedure
AU - Declercq, I.J.N.
AU - Leontjevas, R.
AU - Enders-Slegers, M.-J.
AU - Molog, M.
AU - Gerritsen, D.L.
AU - Hediger, K.
N1 - © 2024. The Author(s)
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - BACKGROUND: Social isolation and feelings of loneliness are very prevalent in people with neurodegenerative diseases and are associated with a lower quality of life and other negative outcomes. These problems were increased during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in initiatives to address social isolation. Given the potential benefits of nature-based and animal-assisted intervention strategies (NATAIS), it is crucial to further investigate if and how these strategies might minimize negative effects of social isolation and feelings of loneliness in this population. Therefore, the aim of this project was to develop a research agenda for NATAIS in people with neurodegenerative diseases, especially during challenging times, such as pandemics.METHODS: This article outlines the process and results of a group concept mapping procedure aimed at developing a research agenda based on a logic model. In total, 19 work group members participated through a combination of in-person and online group meetings. Additionally, face-to-face group sessions were held at two international scientific conferences, during which feedback was solicited from 12 experts in the field of NATAIS and psychogeriatrics.RESULTS: The group concept mapping procedure resulted in 14 clusters describing various future research topics, which were further refined and detailed during group discussions. The remaining eleven clusters, encompassing important research themes within the field of NATAIS, were organized into a logic model and summarized into the research agenda. The overarching cluster 'ethical issues, possible risk factors, and their solutions' was considered the most relevant during times of increased social isolation, such as during a pandemic, along with the necessity for more accessible NATAIS.CONCLUSIONS: This project resulted in a research agenda, directing future research and fostering collaboration between practitioners and researchers in the field of NATAIS. Such an enhanced partnership between science and practice has the potential to significantly contribute to the well-being of people with neurodegenerative diseases, in their daily lives and also during pandemics.
AB - BACKGROUND: Social isolation and feelings of loneliness are very prevalent in people with neurodegenerative diseases and are associated with a lower quality of life and other negative outcomes. These problems were increased during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in initiatives to address social isolation. Given the potential benefits of nature-based and animal-assisted intervention strategies (NATAIS), it is crucial to further investigate if and how these strategies might minimize negative effects of social isolation and feelings of loneliness in this population. Therefore, the aim of this project was to develop a research agenda for NATAIS in people with neurodegenerative diseases, especially during challenging times, such as pandemics.METHODS: This article outlines the process and results of a group concept mapping procedure aimed at developing a research agenda based on a logic model. In total, 19 work group members participated through a combination of in-person and online group meetings. Additionally, face-to-face group sessions were held at two international scientific conferences, during which feedback was solicited from 12 experts in the field of NATAIS and psychogeriatrics.RESULTS: The group concept mapping procedure resulted in 14 clusters describing various future research topics, which were further refined and detailed during group discussions. The remaining eleven clusters, encompassing important research themes within the field of NATAIS, were organized into a logic model and summarized into the research agenda. The overarching cluster 'ethical issues, possible risk factors, and their solutions' was considered the most relevant during times of increased social isolation, such as during a pandemic, along with the necessity for more accessible NATAIS.CONCLUSIONS: This project resulted in a research agenda, directing future research and fostering collaboration between practitioners and researchers in the field of NATAIS. Such an enhanced partnership between science and practice has the potential to significantly contribute to the well-being of people with neurodegenerative diseases, in their daily lives and also during pandemics.
KW - Humans
KW - Loneliness/psychology
KW - Social Isolation/psychology
KW - Neurodegenerative Diseases/psychology
KW - COVID-19/epidemiology
KW - Animal Assisted Therapy/methods
KW - Animals
KW - SARS-CoV-2
KW - Quality of Life/psychology
KW - Aged
KW - Pandemics
KW - Biomedical Research/methods
U2 - 10.1186/s12877-024-05387-2
DO - 10.1186/s12877-024-05387-2
M3 - Article
C2 - 39342126
SN - 1471-2318
VL - 24
JO - BMC Geriatrics
JF - BMC Geriatrics
M1 - 795
ER -