Spending time with a therapy dog can significantly reduce anxiety in young patients in emergency departments, according to a recent clinical trial.
A recent clinical trial has found that spending time with a therapy dog can significantly reduce anxiety in young patients in emergency departments. The study, conducted at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, involved 80 children aged 5 to 17 who spent time with child life specialists and either received standard care or had a 10-minute visit with a ‘therapy dog’.
Therapy dogs are trained animals that provide comfort and emotional support to people in need.
They can be found in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas.
Studies have shown that therapy dog interactions can lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, and improve mental health outcomes.
These canine companions also assist individuals with disabilities, such as visual impairments or autism.
With proper training and certification, therapy dogs can become invaluable members of healthcare teams.
The results showed that children who interacted with the dogs experienced a significantly larger drop in anxiety levels compared to those who did not. In fact, kids who spent time with the ‘therapy dogs‘ reported an average decrease in anxiety of 2.7 points, while those who received standard care saw a smaller drop of 1.5 points.
Anxiety reduction techniques involve a combination of relaxation methods, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can help calm the mind and body.
Regular exercise, such as yoga or walking, also reduces anxiety symptoms by releasing endorphins.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns.
A balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques like journaling or talking to a therapist are also effective in reducing anxiety.
The study’s findings also suggest that parents perceive their children’s anxiety levels as being significantly reduced after interacting with the therapy dogs. This is not only good news for families but also highlights the potential benefits of canine companionship in emergency medical settings.
Canine companionship has been shown to have numerous physical and emotional benefits for humans.
Studies have found that dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index compared to non-dog owners.
Dogs also provide social support, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
In addition, canine companions can aid in therapy and assistance tasks, such as mobility and seizure detection.
Research suggests that the bond between humans and dogs is a unique and powerful relationship.
Managing kids’ anxiety and pain while receiving emergency medical care is a key part of treatment plans, according to the ‘American Academy of Pediatrics‘. The introduction of therapy dogs as a tool in pediatric emergency departments offers new hope for families dealing with anxious children. By providing a calming and comforting presence, these canine companions can help alleviate stress and promote a more positive experience for young patients.
This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of ‘therapy dogs’ as a therapeutic intervention in pediatric emergency care. As healthcare providers continue to seek innovative ways to support children’s mental health, research like this one will play an increasingly important role in shaping best practices and improving patient outcomes.
- sciencenews.org | Therapy dogs can ease young patients’ anxiety in the emergency room
