Therapy Dog Visits for Injury

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen bySabrina Sanchez, MD MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Boston Medical Center

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Animal assisted therapy (AAT) with dogs has been shown to be beneficial for a wide range of patients with both acute and chronic illnesses, including spinal cord injuries, heart failure, myocardial infarctions, strokes, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. Studies have also demonstrated that even in healthy adults, the presence of dogs is associated with physiologic changes such as increased pain threshold, decreased blood pressure, and decreased heart rate. However, few studies have investigated the role of AAT in the post-operative course in adults. This study will investigate the impact of therapy dog visits on pain and anxiety scores for trauma patients at Boston Medical Center (BMC).

Eligibility Criteria

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

I speak English or Spanish.

I was admitted for surgery after a trauma.

Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

Contact precautions

Fear of dogs or allergy to dogs

Delirious, intubated, or otherwise unable to consent

See 1 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

Therapy Dog Visits (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study is testing the effects of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) using therapy dog visits on trauma patients' well-being. Specifically, it will measure changes in pain and anxiety levels after these visits.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Therapy dog visitsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants randomized into this arm will receive visits from a therapy dog and their handler during hospitalization.

Group II: Dog handler visitsActive Control1 Intervention

Participants randomized into this arm will receive visits from a dog handler during hospitalization.