Animal Assisted Therapy Intervention for Hospitalized Patients in a Tertiary Care Center

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the common symptoms leading to an Animal Assisted Therapy consult, and to measure its (AAT) influence on the symptoms and feelings of hospitalized patients.

Detailed Description
-----------------
Animal Assisted Therapy is being provided by the Caring Canines program and is formally available to patients by referrals. In this study, we would like to capture why patients are being referred and to measure the influence of AAT on the symptoms and feelings of patients.

Official Title
-----------------
Animal Assisted Therapy Intervention for Hospitalized Patients in a Tertiary Care Center: A Pilot Study

Conditions
-----------------
Hospitalized Patients

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Animal Assisted Therapy


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Inclusion Criteria (Patients): Patients admitted to St Mary's or Methodist Hospital and subsequently referred for AAT. Subjects undergoing Animal Assisted Therapy as part of their standard care. Patients 18-80 years of age. Patients who are able to read and answer pre and post intervention survey questionnaire and satisfaction survey. Inclusion Criteria (Care Team Members): Care team members of the study participants. 18-80 years of age. Who are able to read and answer pre and post intervention survey questionnaire and satisfaction survey. Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion Criteria (Patients): Patients with diagnoses of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or dementia. Unable to give consent. Pregnant women (as verbalized by participant). Exclusion Criteria (Care Team Members): Care team members of the study participants who do not want to participate.

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Patients receiving AAT<br>Hospitalized patients receiving Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). Animal Assisted Therapy (Pet Visit) will be provided to the hospitalized patients. | Behavioral: Animal Assisted Therapy<br>* Animal Assisted Therapy is the program where a pet, usually dog will visit and interact with the patients.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Number of patients scoring improvement of symptoms using the VAS (visual analogue scale) | We will record the number of patients scoring improvement of symptoms using the VAS (visual analogue scale). | Baseline to 45 minutes | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Number of patients scoring improvement of feelings using the VAS (visual analogue scale) | We will record the number of patients scoring improvement of feelings using the VAS (visual analogue scale). | Baseline to 45 minutes |