Clinical Research Directory

Helping Improve Pediatric Patient Outcomes

This study involves two distinct activities: The first is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the efficacy and safety of therapy dog visits for children with cancer. This activity has the following specific objectives: 1. To assess the effect of therapy dog visits on psychosocial outcomes and satisfaction with care among pediatric oncology inpatients. 2. To determine whether therapy dog visits increase microbial levels on children's hands. The Investigators hypothesize that therapy dog visits will reduce patient distress, lower treatment-related anxiety, increase happiness, and improve satisfaction with hospital care. The Investigators further hypothesize that therapy dog visits (including standard hand sanitization) will not increase microbial levels on children's hands. Once the main study aims for the first study activity have been completed, the research study team will begin recruitment for the second activity. The second activity is an observational study to describe microbial levels before a dog visit, after a dog visit but before hand cleaning, and after hand cleaning. This phase will provide additional information for Aim 2 that cannot be obtained during the RCT given the nature of the RCT design. The Investigators will proceed with the observational study only if all main study activities can be completed within the study timeline.