Using virtual reality to help manage pain in sickle cell disease patients
Pilot Study to Investigate the Use of Virtual Reality Devices as an Adjunct to Usual Care for Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Experiencing Vaso-Occlusive Crises
NA · University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT06184126
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help adults with sickle cell disease feel less pain during painful episodes.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Maryland, Baltimore (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06184126 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality as an additional treatment for patients with sickle cell disease who are experiencing vaso-occlusive crises. Conducted at the University of Maryland Medical Center, the trial involves enrolling adult patients who meet specific criteria and assessing their pain levels before, during, and after the use of virtual reality devices. Participants will engage with the virtual reality equipment for up to two hours while their pain intensity is measured at four different timepoints. The goal is to determine if virtual reality can provide significant pain relief in conjunction with standard care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with a history of sickle cell disease presenting to the emergency department due to acute pain from vaso-occlusive crises.
Not a fit: Patients with complicated crises, those not receiving intravenous opioids, or individuals with certain medical conditions that prevent the use of virtual reality will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a novel, non-pharmacological method to alleviate pain for patients suffering from sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in pain management is gaining interest, this specific application for sickle cell disease is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult (age \> 18 years) emergency department patient * History of sickle cell disease * Presenting to the emergency department due to acute pain related to sickle cell disease thought to be due to vaso-occlusive crisis Exclusion Criteria: * Prior enrollment in this study * Presenting with a chief complaint suggestive of a complicated crisis (such as concern for acute chest syndrome, splenic sequestration, hepatic sequestration, pulmonary embolism) as determined by the clinical care provider * Not being treated with intravenous opioids for the vaso-occlusive crisis * Patients who lack the capacity to provide informed consent * Medical history of seizures or known intolerance to virtual reality * Disabilities like vision and hearing defects etc. that preclude the use of a head mounted virtual reality device. * Known to be pregnant * Incarcerated at the time of evaluation * Over the age of 89 years old
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- University of Maryland Medical Systems — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: R. Gentry Wilklerson, MD — U of Maryland, Baltimore
- Study coordinator: R. Gentry Wilkerson, MD
- Email: gwilkerson@som.umaryland.edu
- Phone: 410-328-4237
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.
Conditions: Sickle Cell Disease, Vaso-occlusive Pain Episode in Sickle Cell Disease, Acute Pain