Using virtual reality to reduce pain and anxiety during burn dressing changes
BURN 360: Reducing Pain and Anxiety During Dressing Changes After Burn Surgery Using Virtual Reality
This study tests if using virtual reality can help burn patients feel less pain and anxiety during their dressing changes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto) |
| Trial ID | NCT04820400 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to alleviate pain and anxiety experienced by burn patients during dressing changes by utilizing immersive virtual reality (VR) technology. Conducted at the Ross Tilley Burn Centre, the trial will involve patients who are undergoing skin autograft surgery and will require multiple dressing changes. By employing VR-360 videos as a distraction tool, the study seeks to minimize the reliance on opioid pain medications and enhance patient comfort during these painful procedures. The approach is based on previous findings that suggest VR can effectively reduce pain and anxiety in various medical settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for a single skin autograft surgery and will require at least two consecutive dressing changes.
Not a fit: Patients who are on mechanical ventilation, receiving intravenous sedation, or have significant facial or neck burns may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the comfort and recovery experience for burn patients, reducing their need for opioid painkillers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in using virtual reality as a distraction technique in various medical procedures, although this specific application in burn care is less explored.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 * Patients anticipated to receive only one skin autograft surgery for acute burn injury at RTBC (patients may have received an allograft skin procedure prior to the autograft) * Patients who will require inpatient stay for at least two consecutive daily dressing changes * Patients alert and oriented, and able to watch immersive video and respond to questions Exclusion Criteria: * Patients on mechanical ventilation * Patients receiving intravenous sedation * Patients with significant face, neck or scalp burn wounds * Patients with confirmed resistant bacteria (MRSA, CPE, VRE) * Patients with history of significant motion sickness (i.e. occur during exposure to physical, visual and virtual motion, cybersickness, etc.) verbally declared by patient * Patients unable to communicate
Where this trial is running
Toronto
- Sunnybrook Research Institute — Toronto, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alan D Rogers, MD — Shsc
- Study coordinator: Alan D Rogers, MD
- Email: alandavid.rogers@sunnybrook.ca
- Phone: 416 480 6100
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.