Abstract
ObjectiveDetermine the effects of animal assisted interactions (AAI) on activity and stress response in pediatric acute care settings. DesignRandomized treatment control design. SettingInpatient pediatric acute care units (PICU, CVICU and Hematology/Oncology). PatientsEighty pediatric inpatients (49% male) age 2–19 years. InterventionThe AAI experimental group patients interacted with therapy dog teams for 5–10 min and the comparison group patients continued their current activity without an AAI visit. Measurement and resultsSalivary cortisol, activity level, and mood were assessed before and after AAI. AAI was associated with a decrease in cortisol levels and increases in mood and activity. ConclusionAAI benefits children in pediatric acute care units.
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