Social versus solo virtual reality during hemodialysis for people with end-stage kidney disease
Social Virtual Reality to Alleviate Loneliness and Symptoms for Individuals Receiving Hemodialysis
This project will test whether social virtual reality compared with individual virtual reality during dialysis reduces symptoms like loneliness, anxiety, and depression in people with end-stage kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06356168 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-site, randomized, two-arm trial will enroll 60 people receiving hemodialysis and randomly assign them to social virtual reality or individual virtual reality during treatment. Participants will use VR goggles for 30–45 minutes during dialysis sessions over four weeks. The study will compare symptom outcomes including loneliness, anxiety, depression, and overall quality of life between the groups. Outcomes will be measured with validated questionnaires and symptom scales at baseline and after the intervention period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with end-stage kidney disease who have been on maintenance hemodialysis three times per week for at least one month and do not have acute illness, active nausea, or epilepsy.
Not a fit: Patients who are acutely ill, have active nausea, epilepsy, or who cannot tolerate or do not want to use VR equipment are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, social VR could reduce loneliness and psychological symptoms and improve quality of life for people receiving hemodialysis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior VR interventions in chronic illness and dialysis settings have shown promise for symptom relief, but direct comparisons of social versus individual VR remain relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Diagnosis of end stage kidney disease with hemodialysis 3 times per week for at least 1 month Exclusion Criteria * Acutely ill * Active nausea * Epilepsy
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lea Ann Matura, PhD — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Lea Ann Matura, PhD
- Email: matura@nursing.upenn.edu
- Phone: 2157468819
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.