Virtual reality headsets to reduce anxiety before surgery

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 is a prospective, randomized, controlled study at University Hospital Bonn comparing preoperative virtual reality headset use to usual care in adults having elective surgery. After informed consent, participants are randomized and stratified by whether relatives are present during the preoperative process. Anxiety is measured with the STOA and APAIS questionnaires, stress and pain with an NRS, simulator sickness with the SSQ, and brain activity is monitored using a BIS EEG device. Key exclusions include epilepsy, certain psychiatric diagnoses, pacemakers/defibrillators, need for sedative premedication, and inability to communicate in German.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Written informed consent
* All consecutive patients undergoing elective, outpatient, or inpatient surgery
* No communication difficulties (e.g., hearing impairment) and good command of the German language
* No visual impairment
* Planned extubation immediately after surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing emergency surgery
* Patients with documented psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder), confusion, or epilepsy
* Individuals admitted due to a court or official order
* Expected non-compliance with the study protocol
* Expected admission to an intermediate care unit (IMC) or intensive care unit (ICU)
* Patients receiving sedative or anxiolytic medication for premedication
* Patients with pacemakers or defibrillators

Where it's running

• University of Bonn
  Bonn, Germany Recruiting

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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.