Canine-Assisted Anxiety Reduction In Emergency Care (CANINE III)

Compare the effect of a single exposure to a therapy dog and handler within the pediatric emergency department patient with anxiety by measuring the change in patient perception of anxiety before and after dog exposure using the FACES scale. We will also measure galvanic skin response (resistance to electrical current).

This study challenges current dogma by introducing a widely available, low cost method of dog therapy to reduce patient stress. The organization "Paws of Love" estimates that it has 180,000 volunteers who have qualified therapy dogs and who are generally willing to volunteer their time in emergency care. The benefits may include improved perception of wellness, less opioid use, and decreased use of physical and chemical restraints. As a further extrapolation, this secondary effect may extend to improved patient-doctor communication and patient experience. This will in turn improve patient safety in the Emergency Department, decreasing the number of adverse events, and decreasing the risk of medical malpractice by improving the patient-provider relationship. (6, 7)

Subjects will be randomized per dog and handler availability, but subjects that are excluded due to an aversion or dogs or per the Child Life staff member, can be in the control group.

Change in perception of pain level of subject by the parent(s) with the use of a Wong-Baker Faces pain scale

Inclusion Criteria: 4-17 years old; Physician or nurse with primary care responsibilities believes that the patients has a moderate to high level of anxiety Exclusion Criteria: - violent behavior and any reported prior fear or adverse reaction to dogs in the dog intervention group.