Virtual reality cognitive training for ICU delirium survivors

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional pilot enrolls adults aged 50 and older who experienced acute respiratory failure and screened positive for ICU delirium; participants use a VR headset and hand controllers at home. The trial compares a VR-based cognitive training program to a VR-based attention-control program while measuring feasibility, acceptability, and adherence. Cognitive performance (memory and attention) and mood are measured before and after the intervention, with follow-up visits at the Indiana University Health site. Exploratory analyses will examine symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 50 years or older
* English speaking
* Admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with acute respiratory failure/invasive mechanical ventilation
* Screening positive for delirium (using Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale and Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute neurologic injury such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain mass, intracranial hemorrhage, seizures, or central nervous system infection
* Chronic cognitive or physical function deficit preventing participation in study interventions or assessments (determined by chart diagnoses and direct participant interview)
* Chronic cognitive impairment (including mild cognitive impairment or dementia) identified by chart diagnosis, prescription of anti-dementia medications, or Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly Score (IQCODE) \>3.3 obtained from family caregiver
* Severe, uncorrected vision or hearing impairment preventing participation in intervention or outcomes assessments
* Admitted with acute alcohol or drug intoxication or withdrawal
* Severe, uncontrolled psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder or schizophrenia)
* History of severe vertigo, motion-induced sickness, headaches, light sensitivity, seizures, or prior intolerance of virtual reality (VR)
* Receiving comfort care measures or not expected to survive the hospitalization
* Prisoners or patients unable to provide consent
* Not expected to be discharged home from the hospital, or living more than 50 miles from the nearest recruitment site, or homeless

Where it's running

• IU Health Methodist Hospital
  Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Sikandar Khan, DO, MS — Indiana University
• Study coordinator: Sikandar Khan, DO, MS
• Email: sikhan@iu.edu
• Phone: (317) 274-9427

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.