Using virtual reality to reduce pain and opioid use in kids after scoliosis surgery
Virtual Reality's Effect on Decreasing Pain and Subsequent Opioid Use in Pediatric Patients in the Post-Operative Period Following Scoliosis Repair
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help kids feel less pain and need fewer opioids after their scoliosis surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwell Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Staten Island, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05888038 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as a distraction tool for pediatric patients recovering from scoliosis repair surgery. By providing VR sessions in the immediate post-operative period, the researchers hypothesize that patients will experience reduced pain and stress, leading to decreased opioid consumption during their hospital stay. The study will measure pain and anxiety levels using validated scales before and after VR sessions, and will also track opioid use compared to historical data from similar patients. The goal is to enroll at least 50 patients over 12-18 months, with parental consent and child assent obtained prior to participation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 7 to 21 who are undergoing scoliosis repair surgery.
Not a fit: Patients under 7 years old, those with a history of seizures, motion sickness, or migraines may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and reliance on opioids in pediatric patients after surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in pediatrics have shown that VR can effectively decrease pain and stress, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * all pediatric patients post scoliosis repair * age 7-21 Exclusion Criteria: * age less than 7 years; * history of seizures, epilepsy, * history of motion sickness/balance problems, * susceptibility to migraines * currently pregnant
Where this trial is running
Staten Island, New York
- SIUH Northwell Health — Staten Island, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eleny Romanos-Sirakis
- Email: eromanos@northwell.edu
- Phone: 718-226-6435
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.