Using therapy dogs to ease pain and anxiety in children during elbow pin removal
The Presence of a Therapy Dog Reduces Pain and Anxiety During Pediatric Elbow Pin Removal
This study tests if having therapy dogs around can help kids aged 3 to 10 feel less pain and anxiety during elbow pin removal after surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT05830201 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research assesses the impact of therapy dogs on reducing pain and anxiety in children aged 3 to 10 undergoing outpatient elbow pin removal after fracture surgery. The study involves two groups: one with therapy dogs present and another without. The therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and distraction during the procedure, which can be uncomfortable for young patients. The goal is to determine if the presence of a therapy dog can improve the overall experience for these children.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 10 who are scheduled for elbow pin removal following elbow fracture surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with a dog allergy or a fear of dogs may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the comfort and emotional well-being of children undergoing painful medical procedures.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of therapy animals in medical settings is gaining popularity, this specific approach to reducing pain and anxiety during a pediatric procedure is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * presenting to clinic for elbow pin removal post elbow fracture surgery Exclusion Criteria: * dog allergy * fear of dogs
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- UAB — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael Conklin, MD — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Patrick Frazier
- Email: thomasfrazier@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 205-641-0824
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.