Therapy Dog Visits for Patients Hospitalized With Traumatic Injuries

Launched by BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER · Feb 1, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how visits from therapy dogs can help patients who are hospitalized due to traumatic injuries. Researchers want to see if spending time with therapy dogs can reduce pain and anxiety for these patients at Boston Medical Center. While animal-assisted therapy has been helpful for many people with various health issues, there hasn't been much research on its effects specifically for adults recovering from trauma.

To participate in this study, patients must be admitted to the Trauma and Acute Care Surgery service and be able to speak English or Spanish. They also need to be able to give their consent to join the trial. However, those who are afraid of dogs, allergic to them, or have certain medical conditions that prevent interaction with animals won't be eligible. If you qualify, you can expect to have visits from trained therapy dogs during your hospital stay, which may help improve your mood and manage pain.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients admitted to the Trauma and Acute Care Surgery (TACS) service following a trauma
• • English or Spanish speaking
• • Able to provide informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Fear of dogs, allergy to dogs
• • Immunocompromised
• • Contact precautions
• • Delirious, intubated, or otherwise unable to consent