Animal-Assisted Interaction for Hospitalized Children
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether spending time with dogs can improve mood, anxiety, and overall quality of life for hospitalized children. Researchers aim to determine if interacting with a dog and handler (animal-assisted interaction) provides more benefits than conversational interaction or standard hospital care. Children aged 8 to 17, who will be in the hospital for at least five days and are comfortable around dogs, may be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the benefits of animal-assisted interactions for hospitalized children.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that animal-assisted interaction is safe for hospitalized children?
Research has shown that interacting with animals is generally safe for children in hospitals. One study found that these interactions improve mood and reduce stress without major issues. Specifically, children's stress hormone levels decreased during these interactions, indicating a positive effect. Another study involving children with cancer found that visits with dogs were safe and well-received.
However, some risks exist, such as the potential spread of germs from animals to people. Overall, though, animal interactions are often considered a beneficial and safe part of hospital care.
In contrast, specific safety data for the conversation part of the trial is lacking. Communication in hospitals can sometimes lead to safety issues, affecting about 36.7% of hospitalized children, according to one report. While talking is generally safe, clear and careful communication remains important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Animal-assisted interaction is unique because it introduces therapy dogs into the hospital setting, offering a comforting and positive presence that standard care options like medication or counseling might not provide. Researchers are excited about this approach because the interactions with therapy dogs can reduce stress and anxiety in hospitalized children, potentially enhancing their emotional well-being and recovery experience. This method offers a non-invasive and engaging way to support children, differing from traditional treatments that often focus solely on medical or psychological interventions.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for improving mood, anxiety, and quality of life in hospitalized children?
Research shows that spending time with animals can help children in the hospital feel better. Studies have found that this type of therapy can lower pain, fear, and anxiety. For instance, one study discovered that children who interacted with therapy animals experienced less pain and anxiety. Another study found that short visits with pets helped reduce anxiety in hospitalized kids. This approach also seems to help with reducing stress and improving overall emotional well-being. Overall, the evidence suggests that spending time with therapy animals can positively affect children's mood and comfort in the hospital.
In this trial, participants may receive animal-assisted interaction, where a dog-handler team visits them in their hospital room. Alternatively, participants may engage in conversational interaction with the dog-handler. While good communication is important, studies mainly examine its role in supporting other treatments rather than as a standalone therapy.46789Who 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