At a glance
ClinicalIndex Comparison RecordStandardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.
Psychological Benefits and Potential Pathogen Transmission in Hospitalized Pediatric Oncology Patients Receiving Therapy Dog Visits: a Randomized Controlled Trial
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Therapy Dog Visit for Pediatric Cancer, Animal-Assisted Activities. Completed, enrolled 26 participants across 2 sites.
Signals
Detailed Summary
This study involves two distinct activities: The first is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the efficacy and safety of therapy dog visits for children with cancer. This activity has the following specific objectives: 1. To assess the effect of therapy dog visits on psychosocial outcomes and satisfaction with care among pediatric oncology inpatients. 2. To determine whether therapy dog visits increase microbial levels on children's hands. The Investigators hypothesize that therapy dog visits will reduce patient distress, lower treatment-related anxiety, increase happiness, and improve satisfaction with hospital care. The Investigators further hypothesize that therapy dog visits (including standard hand sanitization) will not increase microbial levels on children's hands. Once the main study aims for the first study activity have been completed, the research study team will begin recruitment for the second activity. The second activity is an observational study to describe microbial levels before a dog visit, after a dog visit but before hand cleaning, and after hand cleaning. This phase will provide additional information for Aim 2 that cannot be obtained during the RCT given the nature of the RCT design. The Investigators will proceed with the observational study only if all main study activities can be completed within the study timeline.
Study Details
Timeline
Arms & Interventions
Participants randomized to Therapy Dog Visits will receive a visit from a therapy dog and handler team up to one time per week for up to four weeks, depending on length of hospitalization and therapy dog team capacity. Therapy dog visits will last up to about 20 minutes and activities may include: petting the dog, watching the dog perform a trick, and talking with the dog handler. All activities will follow the current procedures and regulations in place at Seattle Children's Hospital.
Participants randomized to the Control Group will receive usual medical care.
Interventions
Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) provide opportunities for motivational, educational, recreational, and/or therapeutic benefits to enhance quality of life. AAA are delivered in a variety of environments by specially trained professionals, paraprofessionals, and/or volunteers, in association with animals that meet specific criteria. Key features of AAA are as follows: 1. Specific treatment goals are not planned for each visit. 2. Volunteers and treatment providers are not required to take detailed notes. 3. Visit content and activities are spontaneous. 4. Visit length can be as long or as short as needed.