Using virtual reality to help pregnant patients at risk of preterm delivery
Interest of Virtual Reality for the Management of Hospitalized Pregnant Patients at Risk of Preterm Delivery
This study is testing if a virtual reality experience can help pregnant patients at risk of preterm delivery feel less anxious and better prepared for their baby's care when in-person visits aren't possible.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Limoges Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Limoges) |
| Trial ID | NCT05547724 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to provide hospitalized pregnant patients at high risk of preterm delivery with a virtual reality experience that simulates a visit to the neonatology unit. The goal is to reduce anxiety and prepare patients for potential outcomes related to premature birth, especially when in-person visits are not feasible. Patients will undergo a virtual tour after receiving corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation, and their anxiety levels will be assessed before and after the experience using standardized questionnaires. The study also includes an alternative option for patients who cannot tolerate VR, allowing them to use a digital tablet for the visit.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include hospitalized pregnant women over 18 years old, between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation, who are at high risk for preterm delivery and have received corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation.
Not a fit: Patients who do not speak or read French, are beyond 34 weeks of gestation, or have medical contraindications to virtual reality will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety in pregnant patients facing the stress of potential preterm delivery.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in medical settings is gaining traction, this specific application for managing anxiety in pregnant patients at risk of preterm delivery is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Hospitalized patient * Patient with high risk of preterm delivery * \> 24 Week of Gestation (WG) et ≤ 34 WG * Patient who received corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation in the previous 24h * Patient \> 18 years old Exclusion Criteria: * Patient no speak french * no read french * \> 34 WG * Guardianship, curatorship, or under the protection of a conservator * Foetus vital prognosis engaged * Medical contraindication to virtual reality: Epilepsy, bipolarity, severe motion sickness ( evaluated by the patient herself : history of nausea, sweat, emesis during car, boat or airplane transportation ... +/- preventive therapy)
Where this trial is running
Limoges
- Limoges Univesity Hospital — Limoges, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Perrine COSTE-MAZEAU, MD
- Email: perrine.costemazeau@chu-limoges.fr
- Phone: 555056607
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.