Therapy Dog Visits for Injury
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if visits from therapy dogs can reduce pain and anxiety for trauma patients recovering at Boston Medical Center. Participants will receive visits either from a therapy dog and its handler or just from the handler. Ideal participants are those who have experienced trauma, are receiving care in the hospital's Trauma and Acute Care Surgery service, and can communicate in English or Spanish. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance patient care.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that therapy dog visits are safe for trauma patients?
Research has shown that therapy dog visits are generally safe for hospital patients. These visits can reduce pain, anxiety, and depression while improving overall well-being. For instance, one study found that therapy dog visits significantly boosted the mental health of emergency room patients compared to those who didn't have such visits.
However, some risks exist. Therapy dogs might carry germs that could be passed to patients or visitors, though this is rare. In one instance, eight patients developed infections after a dog visit, but it wasn't clear if the dogs were the cause.
Overall, therapy dog visits are usually well-received and provide comfort to many people.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about therapy dog visits for injuries because they introduce a unique, non-pharmacological approach to patient care. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on medication or physical therapies, therapy dog visits aim to improve emotional well-being and reduce stress through human-animal interaction. This method could potentially enhance recovery and patient satisfaction by providing comfort and companionship during hospitalization. Additionally, the trial is comparing therapy dog visits to visits from just a dog handler, which may help pinpoint the specific benefits derived directly from the presence of the therapy dog itself.
What evidence suggests that therapy dog visits might be an effective treatment for trauma patients?
Research has shown that visits from therapy dogs can greatly aid patient recovery from various health issues. In this trial, participants in one arm will receive visits from a therapy dog and their handler during hospitalization. Studies have found that patients who spend time with therapy dogs often experience less pain and improved mood. For example, one study found that people who interacted with therapy dogs reported less pain than those who did not. Therapy dogs also help reduce anxiety and stress, which is important for healing. These findings suggest that therapy dog visits could benefit trauma patients by potentially lowering their pain and anxiety levels.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sabrina Sanchez, MD MPH
Principal Investigator
Boston Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients at Boston Medical Center who have been hospitalized due to traumatic injuries. It aims to see if visits from therapy dogs can help with their recovery by reducing pain and anxiety.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 2-3 ten-minute visits with either a therapy dog and handler or a handler alone during hospitalization
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for pain, depression, anxiety, mood, and emotional quality of life 24 hours after the last study visit
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Therapy Dog Visits
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Boston Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
Boston Medical Center Healing Pups Program
Collaborator