Virtual reality to reduce pain and anxiety during first-trimester procedural abortion
Virtual Reality as an Adjunctive Agent for the Management of Pain and Anxiety During First Trimester Procedural Abortion: a Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · University of Pittsburgh · NCT07288047
This trial will test whether wearing a VR headset that shows a meditative nature video during a first-trimester procedural abortion reduces pain and anxiety and increases satisfaction compared with usual care.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07288047 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 72 patients undergoing first-trimester procedural abortion and randomize them to usual care versus usual care plus a VR headset displaying a meditative nature video. Usual care includes oral pain medication, local cervical anesthesia, and verbal reassurance, and all participants will complete surveys before the procedure, immediately after, and one week later to measure pain, anxiety, and satisfaction. The intervention is noninvasive and low risk and is being tested as an adjunct to routine pain and anxiety management. The trial excludes patients with vertigo, epilepsy, claustrophobia, significant sensory impairments, implanted medical devices, or those requiring misoprostol for cervical preparation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18 or older undergoing a first-trimester (under 14 weeks) procedural abortion who can read English and are willing to provide informed consent and follow the protocol are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of vertigo or epilepsy, claustrophobia, significant hearing or vision loss, implanted medical devices, those requiring misoprostol, or prior unsuccessful abortion attempts in this pregnancy may be excluded and are unlikely to receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding VR could provide a low-risk, nonpharmacologic way to lower pain and anxiety and improve patient satisfaction during early procedural abortion.
How similar studies have performed: VR has shown promise for reducing pain and anxiety in other medical and obstetric contexts, but using VR specifically during first-trimester procedural abortion is novel and has not been previously studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania who have decided to undergo and are eligible for a procedural abortion. * 18 years old or older * \<14 weeks gestation on day of abortion * Able to comprehend written English * Willing to comply with the study protocol * Willing and able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of vertigo * History of epilepsy * Claustrophobia * Significant hearing or visual impairments (such as deafness or blindness) * Require hearing aids * Have an implanted medical device, such as cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator * Require misoprostol for cervical preparation * Prior unsuccessful attempt at abortion during this pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations
- Center for Family Planning Research, Magee-Womens Hospital — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (RECRUITING)
- Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Study Coordinator
- Email: fpr@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-641-5496
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.
Conditions: Abortion, First Trimester, Pain Management, Pain After Surgery, Satisfaction, Satisfaction With Care, Anxiety After Surgery, satisfaction, virtual reality