Animal Assisted Therapy in a Pediatric Setting
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Cancer, Cancer, Neurology, Psychiatric |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Neurology, Oncology, Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | Any |
| Updated: | 11/30/-0001 |
| Start Date: | January 2011 |
| End Date: | December 2013 |
The Effectiveness of Animal Assisted Therapy for Children Hospitalized in a Pediatric Setting
The primary purpose for this study is to determine if children who receive Occupational
Therapy while they are an inpatient in the hospital will be more motivated to participate in
therapy as well as increase the amount of time they will work during that particular session
when a therapy dog is present during their sessions. The investigators will also be
collecting data regarding a child's heart rate and blood pressure prior to the session
starting and ending to determine if having a therapy dog present also helps relax a child.
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate if a patient in the pediatric acute care
setting receiving Occupational Therapy (OT) services in adjunct with animal assisted therapy
(AAT) are more motivated to actively participate in the therapy session for a longer period
of time.
Methods:
Thirty inpatients will be recruited to participate in this study. This study will utilize a
randomized crossover study design where the patients act as their own control. The treatment
period for hospitalized patients will include an on off pattern of incorporating AAT into
their OT session. Patients' participation of therapy will be assessed with a participation
scale (see Figure 2) and the OT session time. Patients will be evaluated for OT and the
therapist will determine goals based on functional status and needs of the particular
patient. Goals will be determined by providing a functional evaluation based upon
Occupational Therapists clinical observation, developmental standards and current functional
level of the patient.
Patients who are potential candidates for this study will be hospitalized at Children's
Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota on the St. Paul campus. All inpatients stated to have
decreased functional skills that have been referred by a physician to OT will be invited to
participate this study.
Patients have a difficult time participating in various therapies due to emotional stress,
anxiety, and feeling uncomfortable with the hospital environment. Limited studies have
demonstrated the value of AAT used in conjunction with OT for children, regardless of
diagnosis within the hospital setting. Results of this study can justify the use of this
valuable therapy not only for the selected population, but also for other disciplines such
as physical and speech therapy.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Inpatient Occupational Therapy Referrals
- Ages 0-21 years
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients who are uncomfortable with dogs
- Patients who exhibits violent behavior
- Animal Allergies
- Patients are unable to work with a dog
- Patients who exhibit severe cognitive delays
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