Introduction
Methods
Literature search and study selection
Data extraction
Study quality and certainty of evidence
Statistical analyses
Results
Studies characteristics
Regarding outcome measurements
Risk of bias
Effects on outcomes
Certainty of evidence
Outcomes | Anticipated absolute effects* (95% CI) | Relative effect (95% CI) | № of participants and studies (I: intervention, C: control) | Certainty of the evidence (GRADE) | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Risk with Animal-assisted therapy | |||||
Activities of daily living | SMD 0.16 SD more (0.80 lower to 1.12 more) | – | I 31 C 30 (2 RCTs) | ⨁◯◯◯ VERY LOWa,b,c | We are uncertain about the effect of DAT on activities of daily living. |
Depression | SMD 0.48 SD lower (1.93 lower to 0.98 higher) | – | I 80 C 82 (4 RCTs) | ⨁◯◯◯ VERY LOWa,b,c,d | We are uncertain about the effect of DAT on depression. |
Agitation | SMD 1.12 SD lower (2.67 lower to 0.43 higher) | – | I 86 C 87 (3 RCTs) | ⨁◯◯◯ VERY LOWa,b,c | We are uncertain about the effect of DAT on agitation. |
Quality of life | SMD 0.16 SD higher (0.41 lower to 0.73 higher) | – | I 76 C 75 (3 RCTs) | ⨁◯◯◯ VERY LOWb,c,e | We are uncertain about the effect of DAT on quality of life. |
Cognitive impairment | SMD 0.52 SD lower (1.33 lower to 0.30 higher) | I 12 C 12 (1 RCT) | ⨁◯◯◯ VERY LOWa,c | We are uncertain about the effect of DAT on cognitive impairment. | |
Apathy | SMD 2.10 SD higher (1.29 higher to 2.91 higher) | I 19 C 18 (1 RCT) | ⨁◯◯◯ VERY LOWa,c | We are uncertain about the effect of DAT on apathy. |