Using Virtual Reality to Manage Acute Pain in Older Emergency Patients
Combination of Virtual Reality and Standard of Care Versus Standard of Care Alone for Acute Musculoskeletal Pain Management in Geriatric Emergency Department Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help older patients in the emergency room manage their acute pain better when combined with regular treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 120 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Maimonides Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brooklyn, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06685107 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance pain management for geriatric patients experiencing acute musculoskeletal pain in the emergency department by evaluating the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as an adjunct to standard care. The study will involve a randomized clinical trial with approximately 200 participants aged 65 and older, who will be assigned to either receive standard care alone or standard care plus VR therapy. The primary outcome will focus on pain reduction, while secondary outcomes will assess the impact of VR on anxiety and stress levels. The trial will take place over a two-year period at Maimonides Medical Center.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are geriatric patients aged 65 and older presenting with acute musculoskeletal pain and a pain score of 4 or higher.
Not a fit: Patients requiring immediate pain control for urgent conditions or those with altered mental status or other specific exclusions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and reduce anxiety for older patients in emergency settings.
How similar studies have performed: While VR has shown effectiveness in pain management for younger populations, its application in geriatric patients in emergency settings is relatively novel and lacks extensive prior data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age of 65+ * Emergency Medicine patients * non traumatic musculoskeletal painful condition * pain score of 4+ on the numeric rating scale * patient will warrant parenteral analgesia per treating physician * patient will have to be awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, and time. * comprehension of informed consent process and study related content * ability to complete assessments Exclusion Criteria: * painful syndrome requiring emergent and/or urgent pain control * altered mental status * unstable vital signs * history of recent epilepsy * seizure disorder * vertigo * active headache * nausea * motion sickness * dizziness
Where this trial is running
Brooklyn, New York
- Maimonides Medical Center — Brooklyn, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sergey Motov, MD — Maimonides Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sergey Motov, MD
- Email: smotov@maimo.org
- Phone: 718-283-6000
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.