Using virtual reality to ease anxiety during heart procedures
Virtual Reality to Reduce Periprocedural Anxiety During Invasive Coronary Angiography: Rationale and Design of the VR InCard Trial
This study is testing if virtual reality can help reduce anxiety for people getting heart procedures like coronary angiography.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Radboud University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nijmegen, Gelderland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06215456 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of virtual reality therapy as a nonpharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography. It is a single-center, open-label randomized controlled trial involving 100 patients who experience anxiety related to the procedure. The primary outcome is the anxiety score measured before arterial access, while secondary outcomes include various physiological measures and anxiety assessments. The goal is to determine if VR can improve patient comfort and procedural outcomes compared to standard care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 16 and older who are scheduled for elective cardiac catheterization and have a reported anxiety score of 4 or higher.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of dementia, severe uncorrected hearing or visual impairments, or pre-existing depression or anxiety disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety levels in patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography, leading to improved procedural experiences and outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality to reduce anxiety in various medical settings, suggesting that this approach may be effective in this context as well.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient ≥16 years undergoing elective cardiac catheterisation * Patient is willing and able to comply with the study protocol * NRS anxiety score ≥ 4 Exclusion Criteria: * History of dementia * Severe hearing/visual impairment not corrected * Depression or anxiety disorder
Where this trial is running
Nijmegen, Gelderland
- Radboud university medical center — Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
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.