Patient Perceptions of a Seizure Service Dog in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

ObjectiveSeizure dogs are service animals trained to respond supportively to seizures in people with epilepsy; some are also trained to detect seizure-specific scents, particularly ictal volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This survey study examines feasibility and safety of incorporating a seizure service dog (SSD) into an inpatient setting, as well as patient perceptions of having an SSD in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). MethodsOur SSD underwent specialized training for seizure response and seizure recognition based on seizure-specific VOCs, and accompanied his epileptologist owner in the EMU on rounds for over four years prior to the study. We administered surveys to patients hospitalized in the EMU before and after interactions with a trained seizure dog. The surveys assessed the patients comfort with the dog, perceived usefulness of service dogs, safety, and tolerability. Select case examples are also presented in which seizure dog spontaneously alerted prior to epileptic seizures; seizures later confirmed by independent EEG review. ResultsPatient responses underscored overall high enthusiasm for seizure dog therapy, with 93% of participants reporting feeling "very comfortable" or "extremely comfortable" with a seizure dog present. No adverse concerns or negative experiences were reported by participants. 91% reported personally experiencing benefits of working with the seizure dog, citing emotional and comfort benefits during their hospitalization. 94% of participants were comfortable with physical contact with the dog or had no proximity preference. ConclusionThese findings suggest that seizure service dogs can be safely integrated into the inpatient EMU setting and have potential to enhance patient care and emotional well-being during EMU monitoring. Summary PointsO_LITotal of 98 patients admitted to EMU were surveyed about opinions regarding seizure dogs and comfort with integration of seizure dog in EMU setting, with 35 patients completing post-test surveys after interacting with the seizure dog. C_LIO_LI93% of surveyed EMU patients completing post-test surveys felt very or extremely comfortable with the seizure dog; no negative experiences or safety concerns were reported. C_LIO_LI91% reported personally experiencing emotional benefits of working with the seizure dog. C_LIO_LISelect case examples demonstrate that the trained seizure dog in our study may be able to spontaneously identify epileptic seizures. C_LI