Using virtual reality to help manage pain in sickle cell disease patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.