Using therapy dogs to help children during blood and dental procedures
Efficacy Study of Dog-Assisted Therapy in Children During Blood or Dental Extraction: Extra-can Project
NA · Fundacio d'Investigacio en Atencio Primaria Jordi Gol i Gurina · NCT06468111
This study is testing if spending time with therapy dogs can help reduce stress for kids aged 3 to 12 during blood draws or dental work.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Fundacio d'Investigacio en Atencio Primaria Jordi Gol i Gurina (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Lleida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06468111 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) in reducing emotional stress in children aged 3 to 12 during blood extraction or dental procedures. It involves a randomized controlled trial where participants are assigned to either a control group receiving standard care or an intervention group that interacts with a therapy dog for 10 minutes before the procedure. The study aims to assess not only the children's stress levels but also the emotional impact on accompanying family members. The goal is to improve the overall experience for both children and healthcare professionals during these potentially distressing procedures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 12 who require a blood or dental extraction and are willing to participate.
Not a fit: Patients with allergies or fears of dogs, or those with aggression disorders towards dogs, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety and improve the experience of children undergoing blood or dental extractions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with animal-assisted interventions in reducing anxiety in pediatric patients, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 3 and 12 years old. * Need a blood or dental extraction. * Willing to participate in the study on a voluntary basis. * Delivery of the information sheet and signature the informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * If in the initial interview they declared having allergy or fear of dogs. * Have aggression disorder towards dogs. * Not want to participate in the study.
Where this trial is running
Lleida
- Centre d'Atenció Primària Primer de Maig — Lleida, Spain (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Esther Rodrigo Claverol, MD
- Email: erodrigo.lleida.ics@gencat.cat
- Phone: 0034973272446
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: Emotional Stress, Animal-assisted Intervention, Children, Primary Healthcare Centre, Venipuncture, Dental fear, Distraction emotional support animals