Using Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety in Parents
Official title: Treatment of Parental Anxiety With Virtual Reality (VR): A Prospective, Randomized Study
Run by Stanford University · NCT05729347 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing if using Virtual Reality headsets can help reduce anxiety in parents of children receiving medical care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05729347 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are parents aged 18-99 who are able to consent and are experiencing anxiety related to their child's medical care.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who may not benefit include those with significant cognitive impairments, severe motion sickness, or visual problems.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) headsets as a non-invasive distraction method for reducing anxiety in parents of pediatric patients. Participants will use VR technology featuring calming scenery compared to standard care, which does not involve any technological distraction. The study will enroll parents aged 18 to 99 who can provide consent, while excluding those with significant cognitive impairments or other specific health issues. The goal is to determine if VR can significantly alleviate anxiety during stressful medical situations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel and effective way to reduce anxiety in parents during pediatric medical procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results using VR for anxiety reduction, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-99 (Patient's parents will be enrolled) * Able to consent Exclusion Criteria: * People who do not consent * Significant Cognitive Impairment * History of Severe Motion Sickness * Current Nausea * Seizures * Visual Problems Patients whose children are clinically unstable or require urgent/emergent intervention
Where it's running
-
Lucile Parkard Children's Hospital
Stanford, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Thomas J Caruso, MD
- Email: tjcaruso@stanford.edu
- Phone: 650-723-5728
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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.