Using virtual reality to manage pain in sickle cell disease crises
Official title: Pain Management of Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Children and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease-Effect of Virtual Reality Technology
Run by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NCT03353584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help people with sickle cell disease feel less pain during painful crises when combined with their usual treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 76 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Memphis, Tennessee and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 5, 2018 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | November 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03353584 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients aged 6 to 25 years with sickle cell disease seeking treatment for acute vaso-occlusive crisis pain.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with mild pain, those requiring additional medical interventions, or those with conditions that prevent the use of VR technology may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) technology as an adjunct to standard pain management for patients experiencing acute vaso-occlusive crises due to sickle cell disease. Participants will be randomized to receive either standard care or standard care plus a 15-minute VR session designed to distract from pain. Pain scores and opioid usage will be monitored and compared between the two groups, with assessments made at multiple time points. The study aims to determine if VR can enhance pain relief and improve patient satisfaction during painful episodes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological method to alleviate pain and improve the quality of care for patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of VR for pain management is gaining interest, this specific application in sickle cell disease is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participant must have sickle cell disease (any genotype), documented in the St. Jude medical record. * Participant must be seeking care for acute VOC pain at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. * Participant age must be ≥ 6 years and ≤ 25 years. * English speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Prior randomization in this study. * Patients are currently enrolled on another pain management interventional trial for the presenting pain crisis. * Mild pain (score \<4), or pain for which treatment with opioid is not indicated. * Pain in combination with other clinical symptoms that require additional interventions, including fever with focus, acute chest syndrome, acute injury, or splenic sequestration. * Developmental or psychiatric disorders like autism, claustrophobia or other disabilities like vision and hearing defects etc. that preclude the use of a head mounted device. * Inability or unwillingness of research participant or legal guardian/ representative to give written informed consent.
Where it's running
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, Tennessee, United States Recruiting -
Methodist Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center
Memphis, Tennessee, United States Completed
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael Frett, MD — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Michael Frett, MD
- Email: referralinfo@stjude.org
- Phone: 888-226-4343
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.