E076 Puppy pGALS - introducing a therapy dog into paediatric rheumatology clinic

Abstract Background/Aims Children and young people (CYP) living with chronic health conditions often experience anxiety and worry. Attending hospital appointments can add further stress, with many CYP finding clinic environments challenging. Building confidence and reducing distress in this environment is central to empowering CYP to take ownership of long term conditions. Therapy dogs are used in many clinical environments to reduce anxiety and promote positive patient/professional interactions. The Newcastle paediatric rheumatology team were interested to explore the potential physiological and psychological benefits of therapy dogs in outpatient clinics. Aim To explore the impact of a therapy dog on the experience of paediatric rheumatology outpatient care in Newcastle. Methods The Newcastle paediatric rheumatology team established a working relationship with Wag & Company, a therapy dog service based in the North East of England. In parallel, the team undertook a careful planning process, including a rigorous risk assessment designed to ensure safety of patients, healthcare professionals and animals. Daisy, a therapy dog with a range of skills, was introduced to a multidisciplinary follow-up clinic in September 2025. Results Daisy attends clinic once weekly accompanied by her owners and supervised by a team member. Each doggy interaction is carefully planned, with consent documented in the patient’s notes. Daisy meets one family at a time in a dedicated space, spending time with an average of six children per clinic. Reasons for interactions include generalised or procedural anxiety, distress and low mood. Daisy has learned to demonstrate the Paediatric Gait Analogue skills (pGALs) assessment and to support Childhood Myositis assessment Scale (CMAS) assessments. She has provided countless cuddles before or after procedures and during difficult conversations. Introducing a therapy dog into clinics is a simple, low-cost intervention with wide-reaching benefits. Feedback from parents/carers has been positive, including: “what a wonderful initiative”, “an incredible addition to the team”, “Daisy Dog has kept my daughter calm”, “a nice distraction”, “Daisy is so clever and copying xxx working with the physio”. Feedback from children has been wonderful, including: “It makes me happy”, “enjoyable”, “makes hospital fun”, “can we have Daisy Dog teddies”, “please can she come all the time”, “I enjoyed stroking her⋯ it made me feel happy”, “keep the dog”. Conclusion Therapy dogs can provide comfort and joy in unfamiliar/stressful hospital environments, promoting positive patient-healthcare professional interaction and assisting in medical or therapeutic interventions. Daisy has rapidly become an invaluable asset to clinic, reducing anxiety, improving engagement and making hospital visits something to look forward to. Although the implementation of a therapy dog into paediatric rheumatology clinic required careful planning, we are delighted with the outcome and consider the approach to be a simple, low-cost intervention with wide-reaching benefits. Acknowledgement: The authors gratefully acknowledge Daisy. Disclosure L. Craig: None. B. Carr: None. F. McErlane: None. S. Cairns: None. R. Holyome: None.