Publications IPH Magazine Annals of Summaries: 38th Congress of Hospital Administration and Health Management Summary: The "Amicão" Project

The "Amicão Project" approaches the use of animals in the hospital environment. This method was introduced in 1997 in Brazil by the veterinarian and psychologist Dra. Hannelore Zucks and it is called zoo therapy or therapy assisted by animals. It is mainly used for children, the elderly and with patients with mental illness. The therapy with dogs does not promise cure, however it promotes physical and mental benefits, such as better motor capacity, better immunologic system, improvement of the depression symptoms;  it decreases anxiety and blood pressure, enhances socialization and self-esteem.