The Presence of a Therapy Dog Reduces Pain and Anxiety During Pediatric Elbow Pin Removal

Purpose

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.

Condition

  • Elbow Injury

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 3 Years and 10 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • presenting to clinic for elbow pin removal post elbow fracture surgery

Exclusion Criteria

  • dog allergy - fear of dogs

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel Assignment
Intervention Model Description
control group or therapy group
Primary Purpose
Supportive Care
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Active Comparator
Control Group
Dog will not be in room when child has elbow pins removed
  • Behavioral: No Dog Present
    Dog is not present during pin removal
Experimental
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.
  • Behavioral: Dog is Present
    Dog is present during pin removal

Recruiting Locations

UAB
Birmingham, Alabama 35233
Contact:
Michael J Conklin, MD
205-638-9540
mconklin@uabmc.edu

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Study Contact

Patrick Frazier
205-641-0824
thomasfrazier@uabmc.edu

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.