Reality PAWS mixed-reality dog therapy for children in isolation
Reality PAWS: Examining the Feasibility of a Mixed Reality Dog Visitation Program for Hospitalized Children in Isolation
This program tests whether Reality PAWS, a mixed-reality dog therapy delivered on a Meta Quest 3 headset, can safely reduce pain, anxiety, and loneliness in hospitalized children aged 8–21 who are in isolation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital Colorado Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07187245 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Children admitted under isolation precautions will wear a Meta Quest 3 headset and interact with the Reality PAWS mixed-reality program as a potential substitute for in-person dog therapy. The study will collect measures of feasibility and safety, track session compliance and immersion, and gather patient-reported outcomes on pain, anxiety, and loneliness. Participants will complete short surveys on demographics, perceived exertion, sickness, and immersion before and after sessions. The trial is conducted at two pediatric tertiary centers to test acceptability and operational workflow in real-world inpatient settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 8–21 admitted to Children's Hospital Colorado or Children's Hospital Los Angeles who are English-speaking and within the normal range of development are eligible.
Not a fit: Children with neurological or developmental disorders, a history of seizures, significant sensory deficits, motion sickness, cochlear implants, or current flu-like symptoms are unlikely to benefit or will be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Reality PAWS could provide a safe, accessible alternative to in-person dog therapy that helps reduce pain, anxiety, and loneliness for isolated pediatric inpatients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies of virtual animal-assisted interventions and pediatric VR have shown early promise for reducing anxiety and pain, though Reality PAWS as a mixed-reality dog-therapy substitute is a novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children 8 to 21 years old admitted to Children's Hospital Colorado or Children's Hospital Los Angeles * Children who are English-speaking (legal guardian may be English-speaking or Spanish-speaking) * Children within the normal range of development will be recruited for this study. Exclusion Criteria: * Traumatic brain injury, neurological disorders, neurodevelopmental issues, or other neurological disorders and comorbidities that may confound study outcomes and administration of the study protocol and metrics (e.g., visual field disturbances, frequent nausea/ vomiting, not medically stable, intellectual disability) * Children with visual, auditory, or tactile deficits that would interfere with the ability to complete the experimental tasks * Children with a history of seizure disorder * Children currently sick with flu-like symptoms or experiencing a headache or earache * Children with known or suspected motion sickness * Children with cochlear implants or pace makers
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles — Los Angeles, California, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus — Aurora, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
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.