Evaluation of DAVE in a paediatric population
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot study evaluating the Dog Assisted Virtual Environment (DAVE) in a paediatric population who have previously experienced dog bites
IRAS ID
280326
Contact name
Victoria Gray
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Alder Hey NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
A Virtual Reality (VR) dog simulation has been co-developed by the University of Liverpool, the Virtual Engineering Centre and the Dogs Trust. The simulation - named Dog Assisted Virtual Environment (DAVE) - allows a person to approach the dog, which then causes the behaviour and body language of the dog to gradually change dependent on different modes of the software (i.e. static dog, relaxed dog, friendly dog, aggressive dog). The long term aim of the VR simulation is to better educate people about the behaviour of dogs in order to improve dog-bite prevention within the UK.
Dog bites account for a significant number of hospital admissions per year, of which a large number involve young children. This project specifically intends to explore the value of DAVE in reducing anxieties and worries in young people who have experienced a dog bite, as well as improving their understanding of dog behaviour. This will ultimately help inform the VR development and potential therapeutic possibilities of the simulation. Feedback will be gained through semi-structured interviews and standardised psychometric assessments at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0045
Date of REC Opinion
29 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion