Animal-Assisted Interaction for Hospitalized Children
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this research study is to test whether an animal-assisted intervention (AAI) is better than conversation with another person or treatment as usual for improving mood, anxiety, loneliness, quality of life, and indicators of health care services such as number of hospitalizations, length of hospital stay, and cost of services for children and adolescents.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Nancy R Gee, PhD
Principal Investigator
Virginia Commonwealth University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking children and adolescents aged 8-17 who are hospitalized and can understand the study, as well as adults over 18. Participants must have a working phone, email, or address for follow-up and be expected to stay in the hospital for at least five more days.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either animal-assisted interaction, conversational interaction, or treatment as usual over four consecutive days
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in mood, loneliness, depression, and anxiety after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Animal-assisted interaction
- Conversational interaction
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Virginia Commonwealth University
Lead Sponsor
Purina Mills, Inc
Collaborator