Can a Patient in Intensive Care be Visited by His or Her Pet?
Being in intensive care can be very tough, with many patients feeling anxious or low afterwards. This study is exploring a new way to help patients feel better: by allowing them to have a visit from their own pet. While specially trained therapy animals have been used before, this research specifically investigates bringing a patient's personal dog or cat into the ICU. The aim is to see if familiar pets can create a more comforting environment and reduce feelings of stress and unhappiness during recovery. Researchers are carefully looking into things like the pet's behaviour and any health risks, but many hospitals do already allow these visits.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people are very poorly and need to stay in intensive care, it can be a really frightening and unsettling experience. Many patients find that after their stay, they feel very anxious, sad, or even have symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress. Hospitals are always trying to find ways to make this time easier and help patients feel more comfortable, almost like they're in a more familiar place.
One idea that's gaining interest is whether a visit from a patient's own pet could make a difference. We know that animals can often bring comfort and a sense of calm. For many years, specially trained therapy dogs and other animals have visited people in hospitals, particularly older patients or those with certain conditions, and have been shown to help with anxiety and mood. However, this study is a bit different because it's looking specifically at whether a patient's own dog or cat, not a trained therapy animal, can come for a visit in intensive care.
The main goal is to see if these personal pet visits can help patients feel less anxious and depressed during their recovery in the ICU. Researchers will be careful to make sure everything is safe, considering things like how the pet might behave in a new environment and any tiny health risks, which hospitals already manage for visitors. It's really about exploring new friendly ways to support patients during a difficult time.
Key takeaways
- Being in intensive care can be stressful; this study explores if pet visits can help.
- The study focuses on visits from a patient's own dog or cat, not therapy animals.
- The main aim is to see if pet visits reduce anxiety and improve mood in ICU patients.
- Safety for both patients and pets is a top priority, with careful checks in place.
- Patients must be recovering and stable enough to participate.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adult patients who are currently in intensive care but are starting to recover and are well enough for a visit. You would need to have your own pet, either a dog or a cat, that you'd like to see.
To be considered, you should be able to understand and agree to take part in the study. You also need to be stable, meaning your body is coping well without lots of medical support like breathing machines or kidney dialysis.
There are some situations where you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you're still very unwell and unstable, relying on certain life support machines, or have serious infections. Also, if you have wounds, are pregnant, or have conditions that affect your behaviour or awareness, you wouldn't be able to take part. The healthcare team will carefully check all these points to make sure it's safe for everyone involved.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you an adult aged 18 or over?
- Do you own a dog or a cat?
- Are you currently in intensive care but stable and recovering?
- Can you understand and give written permission to take part?
- Are you not on life support machines like a ventilator or kidney dialysis?
- Do you not have active serious infections or large open wounds?
What does participation involve?
If you are eligible and choose to take part, the study would involve your pet, either a dog or a cat, coming to visit you in the intensive care unit. The research team would observe how this visit goes and how you feel. There are no special medications involved, and the focus is purely on the interaction with your pet and its potential impact on your well-being during your hospital stay. The study would only last for the duration of your intensive care stay, and the visit would be planned at an appropriate time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Centre Hospitalier Ardèche NordVerified postcodeAnnonay, France· Not yet recruiting
- Centre Hospitalier de Saint-EtienneVerified postcodeSaint-Etienne, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of pets can visit?
Only your own pet cat or dog can visit for this study.
Will my pet be safe in the hospital?
Yes, the hospital team will take careful steps to ensure both your and your pet's safety during the visit.
What if my pet misbehaves?
The team will assess the pet's behaviour before the visit, and staff will be on hand. If there are any issues, the visit can be ended calmly.
Will this cost me anything?
No, taking part in the study will not involve any costs for you or your pet.
Can I have multiple pet visits?
The study focuses on assessing the impact of a pet visit, and the specifics of multiple visits would be discussed with the research team.
How to find out more
Guillaume THIERY, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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