Therapy Dog Visits for Patients Hospitalized With Traumatic Injuries

Therapy Dog Visits for Patients Hospitalized With Traumatic Injuries

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).

This study will be a randomized control design. Within 48 hours of admission, the study team will approach eligible patients admitted to the inpatient trauma service to discuss the study and obtain informed consent from patients expected to be admitted for 3-7 days. Consenting patients will be randomized to either a) participate in 2-3 ten-minute dog visits or b) receive 2-3 ten-minute visits with a handler alone. Within 24 hours after the last anticipated study visit, a member of the study team will administer a survey to assess participants' pain, depression, anxiety, mood, and emotional quality of life.

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