At a glance
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A Pilot Study to Examine the Impact of a Therapy Dog Intervention on Loneliness and Related Health Outcomes in Vulnerable Populations
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Animal-assisted interaction and Conversational control for Loneliness and 3 related conditions. Completed, enrolled 72 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
The purpose of this research study is to test whether an animal-assisted interaction (AAI) intervention 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. Participants will be patients admitted for an inpatient stay at Virginia Commonwealth University Health who meet the study entry requirements.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
A dog-handler team or a handler alone will visit participants with a dog for approximately 20 minutes on 3 consecutive days during their inpatient hospital stay
A handler alone will visit participants without a dog for approximately 20 minutes on 3 consecutive days during their inpatient hospital stay