Using Virtual Reality to Manage Pain in Burn Patients
Virtual Reality for Pain Management in Burn Patients
This study is testing if using Virtual Reality can help adult burn patients feel less pain and anxiety during treatment compared to just standard care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT04685486 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) as a pain management tool for adult burn patients at the New York Presbyterian Burn Unit. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive VR during painful procedures alongside standard opioid care or to receive only the standard care. The aim is to determine if VR can enhance pain relief and reduce anxiety and depression during treatment. The study involves 50 adult patients with burn injuries covering less than 15% of their body surface area.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 8 years and older with burn injuries in the Burn Unit who are awake, alert, and able to provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive disorders, psychotic disorders, or current opioid abuse may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and overall patient experience during burn treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using Virtual Reality for pain management, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 8 years and older * Patients with a burn injury and is in the Burn Unit at New York Presbyterian * Awake, alert, ambulatory * The burn comprises less than 15% total body surface area (TBSA) * The patient does not require conscious sedation such as ketamine for staple removal or wound dressing changes * The patient is able to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of a cognitive disorder, psychotic disorder or bipolar I as determined by self-report from previous diagnosis * Current opioid abuse
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: JoAnn Difede, PhD — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Olivia Baryluk, BS
- Email: olb4002@med.cornell.edu
- Phone: 212-821-0783
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.