Chlorhexidine intervention for therapy dogs in hospitals
Clinical Trial of a Disinfectant Intervention in Therapy Dogs to Combat Hospital-associated Pathogens and Promote Sustainability of Animal-Assisted Visitation Programs
PHASE4 · Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health · NCT04171817
This study tests if using a special cleaning solution on therapy dogs can help keep kids safe from germs while they interact with the dogs in hospitals.
Quick facts
| Phase | PHASE4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 412 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (other) |
| Locations | 3 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04171817 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a chlorhexidine-based intervention aimed at therapy dogs involved in hospital-based Animal-Assisted visitation programs. The study will enroll children aged 3 to 17 years who will interact with therapy dogs over twelve sessions, assessing the risk of pathogen transmission and the impact of chlorhexidine on microbial communities. The trial includes an initial observational phase followed by a randomized controlled phase to evaluate the intervention's effects on patient outcomes such as blood pressure, heart rate, and self-reported pain and anxiety. The goal is to enhance the safety and sustainability of these beneficial programs.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 3 to 17 years who have been cleared by a physician to participate in animal-assisted visitation programs.
Not a fit: Patients who are allergic to dogs or have reported sensitivity to chlorhexidine products may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the risk of pathogen transmission during therapy dog sessions, enhancing patient safety and comfort.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using animal-assisted interventions in healthcare settings, but the specific chlorhexidine approach is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children between the ages of 3 and 17 years * Cleared by physician to participate in a hospital-based animal-assisted visitation program session with any enrolled dog Exclusion Criteria: * Children who report sensitivity to chlorhexidine products * Children who report allergy to dogs or sensitivity to dog allergen
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland and 2 other locations
- Johns Hopkins — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Washington University in St. Louis — Saint Louis, Missouri, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Meghan F Davis, DVM, PhD — Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Meghan F Davis, DVM PhD
- Email: mdavis65@jhu.edu
- Phone: 410-614-8283
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, Clostridium Difficile, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, therapy dog, canine, animal assisted intervention, chlorhexidine, child