Using smartphone virtual reality to manage pain during burn care at home

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Smartphone Virtual Reality for Pain Management During Burn Care Transition

['FUNDING_R01'] · RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP · NIH-10894662

This study is testing a fun smartphone virtual reality tool to help kids with burn injuries feel less pain during their dressing changes at home, making the experience easier and reducing the need for strong pain medications.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorRESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP (nih funded)
Locations1 site (COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10894662 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of a smartphone-based virtual reality tool designed to help manage pain during at-home dressing changes for pediatric burn patients. The study aims to determine whether this innovative VR Pain Alleviation Tool (VR-PAT) can significantly reduce pain and decrease the need for opioid medications. By focusing on the transition from medical settings to home care, the research seeks to enhance the overall patient experience and outcomes. Participants will engage with the VR-PAT during repeated dressing changes to assess its impact on pain levels and medication use.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients recovering from burns who require dressing changes at home.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing burn care or do not require dressing changes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-invasive method for significantly reducing pain and reliance on opioids for children undergoing burn care at home.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using virtual reality for pain management, but this specific application of smartphone VR for at-home burn care is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.