Paws for relief: A pilot randomized controlled study of animal assisted therapy's effect on pediatric ICU healthcare workers' stress and anxiety.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Animal assisted therapy (AAT) decreases stress, anxiety, and improves overall well-being in healthcare workers (HCW). However, little is known about its effects on pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) HCW, who experience higher risks for burnout, compassion fatigue, and acute stress compared to other specialties. This pilot randomized controlled and feasibility study examined the impact of AAT on PICU HCW's perceived stress and anxiety during a clinical shift. METHODS: Thirty-two PICU HCWs were randomized to a 15-min AAT session with a facility dog and child life specialist or a 15-min break. Participants completed measures of stress (visual analog scale for stress) and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) at baseline (T1), immediately after the intervention (T2), and 6 h later (T3). Quantitative data were analyzed using t-tests, and feasibility feedback was reviewed. RESULTS: The AAT group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in stress and state anxiety at T2 compared to controls. No sustained differences were observed at 6 h (T3), with a rebound in state anxiety noted in the AAT group. Despite logistical barriers, participants described AAT as beneficial, restorative, and feasible with staffing support. CONCLUSION: AAT produced immediate reductions in stress and anxiety among PICU HCWs but did not demonstrate sustained effects over 6 h. AAT is a promising wellness intervention, though future research should test more frequent AAT and incorporation with other support strategies. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: AAT may provide a feasible strategy for immediate stress relief among PICU HCWs and could be incorporated into broader staff wellness initiatives.