來喜的小把戲－－談台灣動物輔助治療的發展

Lassie's Magic: Animal-Assisted Therapy in Taiwan

動物輔助治療（Animal-Assisted Therapy, AAT）是一種以目標為導向（goal-directed）的介入方式，將某些符合特殊條件的動物納入病患的整個治療過程中，AAT也是一種結合包括：獸醫、動物行為、醫療、護理、復健、教育等專業的跨領域整合模式，在兼顧人與動物雙向福祉的理念下，提供增進人類身心康健的另類管道。本文介紹由筆者參與主導研發的台灣動物輔助治療系統與其在台灣的實施現況。內容闡述人類與動物的關係發展及回顧國內外相關研究與理論，繼而介紹台灣本土化犬類動物治療系統的研發過程與成果，對實際執行犬類類動物輔助治療的各項步驟與影響因素，包括：環境、動物、人員、治療目標、評值指標與活動設計，有許多珍貴的經驗分離與深入探討。對未來動物輔助治療在台灣的服務推廣、專案發展及教育研究上亦提供重要的建議。

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a goal-directed intervention, which involves placing appropriately qualified animals into the therapeutic environment of human patients. AAT is also a cross-professional cooperation model combining different health related disciplines, such as veterinary science, animal behavior, medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, and education. Based on concepts of concern for the welfare of both humans and animals, AAT provides an alternative route to comprehensive human health. This article describes the development and current state of canine Animal-Assisted Therapy in Taiwan. It covers the development of the relationship between humans and animals, a review of the literature about AAT, research, development, and outcomes in respect of the current AAT system in Taiwan. It also discusses practical issues concerning the AAT system, by means of examples. Suggestions regarding future services, professional development, education and research are also discussed.