A Pilot Study to Examine the Impact of a Therapy Dog Intervention on Loneliness and Related Healt… (NCT05089201) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
A Pilot Study to Examine the Impact of a Therapy Dog Intervention on Loneliness and Related Health Outcomes in Vulnerable Populations
United States72 participantsStarted 2021-11-16
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this research study is to test whether an animal-assisted interaction (AAI) intervention is better than conversation with another person or treatment as usual for improving mood, anxiety, loneliness, quality of life, and indicators of health care services such as number of hospitalizations, length of hospital stay, and cost of services. Participants will be patients admitted for an inpatient stay at Virginia Commonwealth University Health who meet the study entry requirements.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 18 years of age or older
* Projected to be admitted to the hospital for the upcoming four days
* Speak English
* Able to provide consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Fear of, or allergy to, dogs
* Documented contact precautions
* Cognitive impairment that prevents consent or completion of measures.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial has already been completed and was mainly measuring how many people enrolled and how many dropped out — does that mean there isn't yet strong evidence that therapy dog visits actually reduce loneliness or depression, and if so, what does the current evidence look like for this kind of intervention?
2Since this was a pilot study, which is typically an early-stage feasibility test rather than a full clinical trial, what would it mean for me to look into similar or follow-up studies that might have more rigorous findings on outcomes like anxiety and quality of life?
3This study focused on 'vulnerable populations' experiencing loneliness, depression, and anxiety — given my specific situation, do you think a therapy dog program or animal-assisted intervention is something worth pursuing as a complement to my current care, or are there more established treatments I should try first?
4Because the trial is completed, is there any published data or results from this study that you could review with me to understand whether participants actually reported improvements in their mood or quality of life?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.