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About

Jos M. G. A. Schols is a pioneering researcher in the field of geriatric care, with a focused expertise on animal-assisted interventions (AAI) for elderly populations, particularly those with dementia. His major contributions center on the practical and ethical implementation of AAI in nursing homes, where he has systematically explored how interactions with dogs and robots can enhance social engagement and quality of life for psychogeriatric residents. His most cited work, "Animal-Assisted Interventions in Dutch Nursing Homes: A Survey" (2016, 42 citations), provides foundational data on the prevalence and structure of these programs. Notably, Schols has also investigated the nuanced "handler effect" in comparing dog and robot sessions, revealing critical insights into the dynamics of social interaction during therapy. His 2019 paper, "An Animal-Assisted Intervention Study in the Nursing Home: Lessons Learned," is a vital resource for practitioners, candidly addressing the unique practical and ethical challenges encountered in such research. Through his methodical video-analysis studies and reflective scholarship, Schols has established himself as a key voice in advancing humane, evidence-based interventions for the aging population.