Using virtual reality to reduce anxiety in seriously ill children
The Use of Experiential and Relaxation Virtual Reality to Minimize Anxiety in Children With Life-Limiting Conditions
This study is testing if virtual reality experiences can help reduce anxiety and distress in children aged 8 to 17 who are seriously ill.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Institute of Mental Health, Czech Republic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Prague) |
| Trial ID | NCT06915883 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of experiential and relaxation virtual reality (VR) interventions in alleviating anxiety and distress symptoms in children facing life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. Participants aged 8-17 will engage in two sessions of VR experiences lasting 7 to 15 minutes each, allowing researchers to compare the effects of both types of VR on anxiety, pain, and fear. The study also aims to gather perceptions from both children and their caregivers regarding the use of VR as a supportive care tool.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 8-17 with a diagnosis of a life-threatening or life-limiting disease who can communicate in Czech.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 8 or older than 17, have unstable health conditions, or cannot speak Czech may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce anxiety and improve the quality of life for seriously ill children.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in medical settings is gaining traction, this specific application for pediatric palliative care is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * a) age 8-17 years, b) sufficient level of contact with the environment and ability to cooperate, c) children and parents fluent in Czech, d) diagnosis of a life-threatening or life-limiting disease according to the internationally accepted list of palliatively relevant diagnoses (Fraser et al., 2020), e) pediatric patients treated at the University Hospital in Motol Exclusion Criteria: * a) age below 8 or above 17 years, b) unstable health status, c) inability to speak Czech, and d) absence of parental consent for participation in the study
Where this trial is running
Prague
- University Hospital Motol — Prague, Czech Republic (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Anna Zubkova, MSc
- Email: anna.zubkova@nudz.cz
- Phone: +420 608 555 964
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.