Using Virtual Reality to Help Reduce Anxiety Before ECT
Virtual Reality as a Tool to Reduce Pre-procedure Anxiety Prior ECT Via Enhancing Patient Education
This study is testing if a virtual reality experience can help reduce anxiety for people getting electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) compared to regular information sessions with a psychiatrist.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT04291196 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) experience designed to educate patients about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in reducing pre-procedure anxiety compared to standard informational methods. Participants will be randomly assigned to either view a VR-ECT 360 video or receive traditional preparation through a discussion with a psychiatrist. The study will measure changes in anxiety levels and knowledge about ECT using questionnaires and physiological indicators like heart rate and blood pressure. This innovative approach seeks to enhance patient understanding and comfort with ECT, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are first-time ECT patients and are able to understand English.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with significant visual or hearing impairments or a history of severe motion sickness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety levels in patients undergoing ECT, leading to better treatment experiences and outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using virtual reality to reduce anxiety in surgical patients, but this specific application in ECT is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 * First time undergoing ECT within the last year * Outpatient/inpatient recommended for ECT * Within 2-4 days of ECT procedure or no ECT within the past year * Referred by psychiatrist * Able to understand English * Able to watch and respond to questions Exclusion Criteria: * Lack of patient consent or capacity to give consent * Visual and hearing impairments precluding the ability to watch or listen to video * History of significant motion sickness (i.e. occur during exposure to physical, visual and virtual motion, cybersickness verbally declared by patient)
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fahad Alam — Shsc
- Study coordinator: Fahad Alam, MD, M.Sc.
- Email: Fahad.Alam@Sunnybrook.ca
- Phone: 416-480-4864
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.