Using virtual reality to manage pain and anxiety during regional anesthesia
The Role of Virtual Reality During Regional Anesthesia
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help reduce pain and anxiety for patients getting regional anesthesia before surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT04163809 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study analyzes the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in managing acute pain and anxiety for pre-operative patients receiving regional anesthesia at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group that uses the Oculus Go VR headset to view pleasant scenes or a control group that does not use VR. The study aims to determine if VR can serve as an effective tool for reducing pain and anxiety during nerve block procedures. Patients will complete brief questionnaires before and after the procedure to assess the impact of VR on their experience.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are elective pre-operative patients aged 18-64 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center who are receiving regional anesthesia.
Not a fit: Patients under 18 or over 64, those with visual impairments, pregnant women, or individuals with cognitive impairments or a history of seizures may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance patient comfort and reduce anxiety and pain during regional anesthesia procedures.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in medical settings is gaining traction, this specific application during regional anesthesia is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Elective pre-operative patients at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center who are receiving regional anesthesia 2. Between ages 18-64 3. Patient must be able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients under the age of 18 \& above age 64 2. Visual impairment 3. Pregnant women 4. Diagnosis of epilepsy/seizures, dementia, and/or cognitive impairment
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- Cedars Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mary Vijjeswarapu, MD — CSMC Department of Anesthesiology
- Study coordinator: Janelle Burskey, RN
- Email: janelle.burskey@cshs.org
- Phone: 310-423-9600
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.