Animal Assisted Therapy in a Pediatric Setting

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate if a patient in the pediatric acute care setting receiving Occupational Therapy (OT) services in adjunct with animal assisted therapy (AAT) are more motivated to actively participate in the therapy session for a longer period of time.

Methods:

Thirty inpatients will be recruited to participate in this study. This study will utilize a randomized crossover study design where the patients act as their own control. The treatment period for hospitalized patients will include an on off pattern of incorporating AAT into their OT session. Patients' participation of therapy will be assessed with a participation scale (see Figure 2) and the OT session time. Patients will be evaluated for OT and the therapist will determine goals based on functional status and needs of the particular patient. Goals will be determined by providing a functional evaluation based upon Occupational Therapists clinical observation, developmental standards and current functional level of the patient.

Patients who are potential candidates for this study will be hospitalized at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota on the St. Paul campus. All inpatients stated to have decreased functional skills that have been referred by a physician to OT will be invited to participate this study.

Patients have a difficult time participating in various therapies due to emotional stress, anxiety, and feeling uncomfortable with the hospital environment. Limited studies have demonstrated the value of AAT used in conjunction with OT for children, regardless of diagnosis within the hospital setting. Results of this study can justify the use of this valuable therapy not only for the selected population, but also for other disciplines such as physical and speech therapy.

• Animal Assisted Therapy (Behavioral), also known as Group 1 and Group 2: There will be a therapy dog and dog trainer present working with the patient for the AAT arm.

Primary outcomes

• OT Participation scale [4 days]: The patients response to therapy can be measures using the following behavior domains (cognition, fine motor, activities and daily living, feeding skills, active range of motion/activities, and functional Transfers).

Secondary outcomes

• Vital Signs (Blood Pressure and heart rate) [4 days]: Heart rate and blood pressure will be measured to assess if AAT minimizes stress and anxiety.

Sex: All

Inclusion Criteria:

* Inpatient Occupational Therapy Referrals
* Ages 0-21 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are uncomfortable with dogs
* Patients who exhibits violent behavior
* Animal Allergies
* Patients are unable to work with a dog
* Patients who exhibit severe cognitive delays

• Nicole Iammatteo, OT, Principal investigator, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota