Objective: One role of the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is to collaborate and train nursing staff as part of the scope of practice and in the resident’s and multi-disciplinary team best interest, especially with children with medical complexities (CMC). Motivation directly impacts the fidelity with training and cognitive processing of new information that the SLP provides to the nurse. So, as the SLP collaborates and trains the nurses in feeding, swallowing, augmentative and alternaitve communication (AAC) and other areas within our scope of practice, finding ways to connect with and motivate staff is essential, valued, and needed. This study aims to discover if using canine -assisted therapy (CAT) will improve morale to further the literature on motivating training within our scope. Method: This investigation was an A-B-A withdrawal design with multiple concurrent participants, as it is difficult to blind staff to the canine’s presence. The PI gathered baseline data using the ProQOL-5th andthe VAS twice per shift for three shifts before intervention initiation. The VAS was gathered twice per shift post CAT and then during follow-up phase. ProQOL-5th was also administered post intervention. Results: The three participants did not demonstrate statistically significant improvements with positive morale compared to baseline. Two participants demonstrated more consistent level of morale during the intervention. Conclusion: The data does not support a positive impact on staff morale with incorporation of CAT.
