The Presence of a Therapy Dog Reduces Pain and Anxiety During Pediatric Elbow Pin Removal
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- No Dog Present
- Conditions
- Elbow Injury
- Sponsor
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Enrollment
- 50
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Pain Response
- Status
- Recruiting
- Last Updated
- 3 months ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this research study is to assess whether the presence of therapy dogs can reduce pain and anxiety in children ages 3 to 10 having pins removed from their elbow.
Detailed Description
This procedure is done in an outpatient clinic 3-4 weeks after the pins are placed and can be uncomfortable and cause anxiety in some patients. Therapy dogs are trained to sit calmly with a patient on or near the exam table as a distraction from procedures.
Investigators
Michael J. Conklin
Principal Investigator
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •presenting to clinic for elbow pin removal post elbow fracture surgery
Exclusion Criteria
- •dog allergy
- •fear of dogs
Arms & Interventions
Control Group
Dog will not be in room when child has elbow pins removed
Intervention: No Dog Present
Therapy Dog Group
The dog will come in a few minutes before to meet with you and your child and ensure ease. The therapy dog will be present throughout the procedure and is able to sit on the exam table if desired.
Intervention: Dog is Present
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Pain Response
Time Frame: 1 year
Wong-Baker FACES scale, a validated scale for assessing pain in pediatric patients, will be used to compare pain response; The scale contains a series of six faces ranging from a happy face at 0 to indicate "no hurt" to a crying face at 10 to indicate "hurts worst."
Secondary Outcomes
- Anxiety Response(1 year)