Dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT) currently lacks a standard for their application, making it difficult to collect the consistent data necessary for comparative studies and the development of new evidence-based therapeutic strategies. Due to their high social component, DAT requires a standardized method that identifies the elements that affect them, understands their complex situations, and proposes solutions to the challenges. This study aims to establish the first steps towards standardizing DAT, using the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as the central approach. SSM is suitable for addressing complex and ambiguous problems that involve multiple actors and perspectives. Through SSM, the study seeks to visualize problems, clarify conflict relationships that hinder standardization, and propose effective solutions. To establish an initial standard method, a time and motion study is performed to identify activities that disrupt the sequence of operations and the capture of EEG signals collected before, during, and after DAT. SSM allows for summarizing the current system situation, identifying and analyzing problems, clarifying challenges, and proposing pertinent solutions to achieve the standardization of this therapy. This methodology facilitates the identification of critical points and the development of intervention strategies that could improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the therapeutic process, establishing a more coherent framework for the implementation of DAT. Thus, the contribution of this work is based on systems thinking to strategic management, as it demonstrates the potential role of systems thinking, specifically SSM, in analyzing complex problems, improving strategy mapping, fostering strategic decision making, and planning for the future in the context of strategic management.

This protocol details the essential steps for acquiring and recording electroencephalographic (EEG) signals in neurodivergent children before, during, and after participating in Dolphin-Assisted Therapy (DAT) sessions. Its main objective is to provide consistent and reliable data that allow for an accurate assessment of brain activity at various stages of the therapeutic process. The protocol establishes a clear framework for comparing the obtained EEG signals, ensuring that each recording meets the standards required for effective analysis and interpretation. To this end, a comprehensive approach is used that combines electronic tools and mathematical methods, such as power spectral analysis, to identify changes in children's brain activity during the intervention. Furthermore, the replicability of the results is ensured, favoring validity and consistency in scientific studies related to the therapy. This protocol, by standardizing data acquisition, seeks to optimize therapeutic outcomes and provide a solid basis for comparing different studies on the impact of DAT on childhood neurodiversity. Furthermore, it provides a robust system for future research, facilitating objective interpretation of therapy effects and improving interventions.

This protocol details the essential steps for acquiring and recording electroencephalographic (EEG) signals in neurodivergent children before, during, and after participating in Dolphin-Assisted Therapy (DAT) sessions. Its main objective is to provide consistent and reliable data that allow for an accurate assessment of brain activity at various stages of the therapeutic process. The protocol establishes a clear framework for comparing the obtained EEG signals, ensuring that each recording meets the standards required for effective analysis and interpretation. To this end, a comprehensive approach is used that combines electronic tools and mathematical methods, such as power spectral analysis, to identify changes in children's brain activity during the intervention. Furthermore, the replicability of the results is ensured, favoring validity and consistency in scientific studies related to the therapy. This protocol, by standardizing data acquisition, seeks to optimize therapeutic outcomes and provide a solid basis for comparing different studies on the impact of DAT on childhood neurodiversity. Furthermore, it provides a robust system for future research, facilitating objective interpretation of therapy effects and improving interventions.

Purpose: This study provides a viable system model (VSM) for the Delfiniti Mexico organization to assist in strategic restructuring and to contribute to its entry into the health tourism sector. The model seeks to align organizational viability with the formal offering of dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT), an alternative therapeutic practice with high development potential that requires scientific validation and compliance with international quality standards to establish itself as a competitive service in this growing market. Design/methodology/approach: A conceptual approach based on systems thinking is used, grounded in organizational cybernetics through the VSM, which is used to analyze the structural and operational dimensions of the organization under study. Findings: The viable model suggested in this study is a flexible and robust structure to determine essential coordination requirements, enhance communication flows and facilitate organizational learning. Such a model can provide a clear visualization of how DAT can be formally integrated as a valid offering within Health Tourism, ensuring adaptability, quality assurance and responsiveness to changes in the environment. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the proposed viable model is not only applicable to Delfiniti Mexico but can also serve as a methodological foundation for other dolphinariums interested in professionalizing and scientifically validating their therapeutic services, allowing them to enter this emerging tourism segment with greater solidity. Originality/value: This research proposes a viable model for dolphinariums in Mexico located in destinations in sun beach destinations. Its contribution to the field of organizational cybernetics lies in providing a systemic approach that enables nontraditional health service providers to adapt and respond to the demands of a competitive market.