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Clinical Trial
. 2006 Mar;24(1):51-7.
doi: 10.1177/0898010105280112.

Canine visitation (pet) therapy: pilot data on decreases in child pain perception

Elisa J Sobo  1 , Brenda Eng, Nadine Kassity-Krich
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Canine visitation (pet) therapy: pilot data on decreases in child pain perception

Elisa J Sobo et al. J Holist Nurs. 2006 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the effectiveness of canine visitation therapy (CVT) in pediatric pain management in a tertiary care children's hospital, a descriptive pilot study was conducted.

Method: A convenience sample of 25 English-speaking children ages 5 to 18 years who underwent surgery and experienced acute postoperative pain participated in a standard, one-time CVT intervention. Each child completed a pre-post survey and a post intervention interview.

Findings: Quantitative pre-post findings indicate that CVT significantly reduced perceived pain. Qualitative findings suggest that one mechanism that makes CVT effective may be cognitive. That is, CVTdistracts children from pain-related cognition and possibly activates comforting thoughts regarding companionship or home.

Conclusion: The study findings suggest that CVT may be a useful adjunct to traditional pain management for children.

Implications: Nurses may better serve their patients when CVT is an option.

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