Robotic pet companionship during breathing trials in the ICU
Effectiveness of Using Pet-Robotic Intervention to Enhance Spontaneous Breathing Trial Success in Intensive Care Unit Patients
NA · National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT07163247
This will test whether a robotic pet companion can lower anxiety and help adults on ventilators succeed in spontaneous breathing trials in the ICU.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT07163247 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In adult medical ICU patients who have been mechanically ventilated for more than 72 hours and failed a first spontaneous breathing trial, nurses will introduce the PARO robotic pet as bedside companionship during a subsequent breathing trial. The intervention is delivered during the weaning attempt while researchers record patient-reported anxiety and physiologic stress markers. Primary outcomes include anxiety levels, success of the spontaneous breathing trial, and progression to extubation, with safety monitored for exclusion-related risks. Eligible patients must be conscious and meet clinical readiness criteria while those with specific infections, severe immunosuppression, implanted cardiac devices, tracheostomy, or fur allergy are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults in the medical ICU who have been ventilated >72 hours, are awake and clinically ready for a second spontaneous breathing trial after a failed first attempt, and do not meet exclusion criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with a tracheostomy, active multidrug-resistant or airborne infection requiring isolation, severe immunodeficiency, implanted cardiac devices, or a known allergy to the robotic pet's fur would be ineligible and unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the robotic pet could reduce anxiety during weaning and increase the likelihood of successful breathing trials and earlier extubation.
How similar studies have performed: Robotic pet therapy like PARO has shown anxiety reduction in dementia and long-term care settings, but its application specifically during ICU spontaneous breathing trials is novel with limited prior data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 years or older with clear consciousness. * Mechanical ventilation for more than 72 hours. * Previously failed the first spontaneous breathing trial and is clinically ready to undergo a second spontaneous breathing trial. Exclusion Criteria: * Multidrug-resistant organism infection. * Requiring airborne infection isolation precautions (e.g., COVID-19). * Immunodeficiency (absolute neutrophil count \< 500 cells/mL). * Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) less than -1. * Patient with a tracheostomy. * Subjects with implanted cardiac devices (e.g., permanent pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillators) * Known allergy to the fur of the robotic pet.
Where this trial is running
Taipei
- National Taiwan University Hospital — Taipei, Taiwan (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.
Conditions: Spontaneous Breathing Trial in ICU, Spontaneous Breathing Trial, spontaneous breathing trials, Pet-robotic intervention, anxiety, Robot assisted intervention