Using Virtual Reality to Help Burn Patients Manage Pain
Virtual Reality MObility for Burn Patients (VR-MOBILE): A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
This study is testing if virtual reality can help kids with burn injuries feel less pain and anxiety during their hydrotherapy treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Justine's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Montréal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT04538573 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study explores the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as a non-pharmacological method to manage pain and anxiety in pediatric burn patients undergoing hydrotherapy. The intervention aims to provide immersive distraction during painful procedures such as wound debridement and dressing changes, potentially reducing the need for opioids and benzodiazepines. Participants aged 6 to 17 years with burn injuries requiring hydrotherapy will be included, while those with cognitive impairments or facial burns will be excluded. The study is conducted at St. Justine's Hospital in Montréal, Quebec.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 17 years with burn injuries requiring hydrotherapy or related therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, facial burns, or those unable to maintain a semi-upright position may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and anxiety for pediatric burn patients during treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using VR for pain management in various medical settings, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 6 to 17 years and suffering from a burn injury requiring hydrotherapy, physiotherapy or occupational therapy care * Presence of a consenting parent who can understand, read and write either French or English. Exclusion Criteria: * Have a diagnosed cognitive impairment precluding them from playing a virtual reality game * Suffer from epilepsy considering the nature of the intervention * Have burn injuries on the face preventing the use of the Oculus Quest Helmet * Cannot be in a sitting or semi-upright sitting position (semi-Fowler's position) during the procedure as the virtual reality game requires an angle of at least 30 degrees for head-tracking. Participants who received analgesics (e.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen) or anxiolytics (e.g. benzodiazepines) during the last 4 hours prior to the procedure will not be excluded but the name of medication, dosage and time of administration will be documented in the data collection form.
Where this trial is running
Montréal, Quebec
- St. Justine's Hospital — Montréal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sylvie Le May, PhD — St. Justine's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sylvie Le May, PhD
- Email: sylvie.lemay@umontreal.ca
- Phone: 514-345-4931
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.