Using virtual reality to manage pain and anxiety during burn wound care

Efficacy of Virtual Reality as an Adjunct for Procedural Pain and Anxiety Management in Burn Wound Care: A Single-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Al Hayah University In Cairo · NCT06913270

This study tests if using virtual reality can help adults with burn injuries feel less pain and anxiety during their dressing changes compared to watching a nature video.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorAl Hayah University In Cairo Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT06913270 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) as a complementary treatment to standard pain management during dressing changes for adult burn patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care with VR distraction or standard care with a non-VR distraction, such as watching a nature video. The study aims to measure procedural pain intensity and anxiety levels immediately after the procedure, along with patient satisfaction and physiological responses. This approach seeks to address previous limitations in VR studies for burn care by utilizing a more robust methodology.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult burn patients aged 18-65 with partial-thickness burns scheduled for routine dressing changes.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, severe motion sickness, or visual impairments that prevent the use of VR devices may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce pain and anxiety for burn patients during wound care procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using VR for pain management, but this trial aims to provide more definitive evidence with a controlled approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Adult burn patients (18-65 years) with confirmed partial-thickness burns. Scheduled for routine dressing changes. Able to provide informed consent. Baseline pain score of ≥4/10 during a dressing change session.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with cognitive impairment preventing comprehension of the intervention.

History of severe motion sickness or visual impairments that preclude the use of VR devices.

Patients with contraindications to standard analgesic care.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

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.
Conditions BurnsBurn WoundProcedural PainAnxiety Acute
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.