Abstract
Background. Social isolation and feelings of loneliness are common among individuals with neurodegenerative diseases and lead to a diminished quality of life and various negative outcomes. These issues were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting initiatives to combat social isolation. Considering the potential benefits of nature-based and animal-assisted intervention strategies (NATAIS), it is imperative to explore how these approaches might mitigate the adverse effects of social isolation and loneliness in this population. Therefore, we aimed to develop a research agenda for NATAIS specifically tailored to individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on addressing challenges during times like pandemics.
Methods. To facilitate the development of the research agenda, a group concept mapping procedure was conducted. 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 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 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.
Conclusion: 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.
Methods. To facilitate the development of the research agenda, a group concept mapping procedure was conducted. 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 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 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.
Conclusion: 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.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Event | 34th Alzheimer Europe conference: New horizons – Innovating for dementia - Geneva, Switzerland Duration: 8 Oct 2024 → 10 Oct 2024 https://www.alzheimer-europe.org/conferences/2024-Geneva?language_content_entity=en |
Conference
Conference | 34th Alzheimer Europe conference |
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Country/Territory | Switzerland |
City | Geneva |
Period | 8/10/24 → 10/10/24 |
Internet address |