Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies: State-of-the-Art Review.

This paper is a review of current knowledge on equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs), focusing on their benefits for vulnerable populations and their potential to enhance quality of life.

Introduction to the Research

This research explores the field of equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs), a therapeutic model where interaction with horses is utilized as a method of treatment. Specifically, the study is based on the Roy’s adaptation model, a widely recognized nursing theory that focuses on adaptation as the key response to illness and stress. This model works on four modes of adaptation: physiological, self-concept, role function, and interdependence modes.

Research Methodology

• The research presents a state-of-the-art review methodology which is a critical assessment of the most recent, advanced, and credible research in the field.
• Information was gathered from four databases, comprising research conducted in a period of just over a year, from January 2019 to February 2020.

Focus: Quality of Life

• The main concept investigated in this paper is the potential enhancement of the quality of life for vulnerable populations through EAATs.
• Vulnerable populations can include a variety of groups, such as individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.

Key Findings

• The study found limited research examining the effect of EAATs on cancer survivors, however, the data available is promising, indicating potential benefits of such therapies for this group.
• The research also noted that the rural context of EAATs was not extensively examined. Considering many EAATs are conducted in rural settings, more research is needed to understand the implications and benefits of this unique setting.

In conclusion, the research implies EAATs may enhance quality of life through four adaptation modes of the Roy’s model. However, further research is needed to confirm the role of rural environments in EAATs and to explore their impacts on specific vulnerable populations, like cancer survivors.