Using virtual reality to help patients understand neurosurgery consent

Virtual Reality for Patient Informed Consent in Neurosurgery - a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06627426

This study tests if using virtual reality can help patients better understand the consent process for neurosurgery and feel less anxious about their procedures.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland (other)
Locations1 site (Basel)
Trial IDNCT06627426 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in enhancing patient comprehension during the informed consent process for neurosurgery. By utilizing VR technology, the study aims to improve the patient-doctor relationship and reduce anxiety associated with complex surgical procedures. The trial will also assess the cost-benefit ratio and feasibility of implementing VR in routine clinical settings, focusing on patients undergoing surgical clipping for intracranial aneurysms, resection of vascular malformations, or craniotomy for tumor removal.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 18 to 75 who are scheduled for specific neurosurgical procedures.

Not a fit: Patients with visual or auditory impairments, prior VR consent experience, or psychiatric/cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved patient understanding and satisfaction during the informed consent process for neurosurgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in medical settings is gaining traction, this specific application for informed consent in neurosurgery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients between the age of 18 and 75
* Surgical clipping for intracranial aneurysm, resection of vascular malformations
* Craniotomy and Resection of intracranial tumors that can be segmented for VR

Exclusion Criteria:

* Visual or auditory impairment with no sufficient aid
* Patient that had VR informed consent for surgery before
* Psychiatric illness, cognitive impairment

Where this trial is running

Basel

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: VR-based Informed Consent

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.