Project MILANO: Connections Between Patients With Brain Tumors and Their Pets: an Analysis of Concerns and Needs

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne

About this trial

Context and problem

In France, 61% of households own a pet, highlighting the significant role pets play in the daily lives. Patients diagnosed with brain tumors face specific challenges that may affect their ability to care their pets, including:

* Progressive neurological deficits (cognitive and/or motor), limiting their autonomy, * A life-threatening prognosis.

In this context, the well-being of pets when their owner's health deteriorates becomes a critical concern. Indeed:

* Social isolation and the progressive loss of physical and cognitive abilities complicate pet care, particularly during prolonged hospitalizations or in the event of death, * The lack of appropriate facilities and care solutions causes stress for pets, who are often unprepared for such transitions, and adds to the emotional burden on patients.

Why focus on patients with brain tumors?

* These patients have specific needs due to the rapid progression of their condition, * A local study showed that 12% of patients with gliomas live alone, a significantly higher rate than in other cancer types. Patients who live alone are particularly exposed to issues related to their pet's future, * Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with brain tumors, proactive planning for pet care is particularly urgent.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Patients diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Patients who own at least one pet.

Disqualifiers

Patients who decline to participate in the study.

Patients unable to complete the questionnaire.

Trial population

Patients diagnosed with a brain tumor who have one or more pets will be included.

Trial design

Design model

Cohort

Time perspective

Prospective

Treatments tested in this trial

  • The Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS; Johnson, Garrity, & Stallones, 1992)

    Other intervention

    The LAPS is a established tool for measuring the emotional bond between humans and their animal companions. Animal attachment is assessed according to three factors: the bond between owners and their dogs or cats, the closeness of the human-animal relationship, and the importance of the animal in the owner's life (Johnson et al., 1992). Higher scores indicate greater attachment.

Treatment groups

65 Participants
are divided into 1 treatment group
Group A: Pet-owning brain tumour patients1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

LAPS scale

The Lexington Pet Attachment Scale (LAPS) measures the percentage of patients who are concerned about their pets. Values range from zero to one hundred, with higher scores indicating greater concern for pets.

Time frame
Day 1

Secondary outcomes

1

Questionnaire

A questionnaire that measures the percentage of patients who need more information and details of resources and support systems to help them with their pets.

Time frame
Day 1

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

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