Virtual Reality for Pain and Anxiety During Abortion

(CALM-VR Trial)

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Study Coordinator

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Study Investigator

Disqualifiers: Vertigo, Epilepsy, Claustrophobia, Deafness, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 1 day

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a virtual reality (VR) headset displaying calming nature scenes can reduce pain and anxiety during a first trimester procedural abortion. Participants will either receive the usual care for managing pain and anxiety or use the VR headset in addition to that care. The goal is to determine if the VR experience can make the procedure more comfortable and increase satisfaction. Suitable candidates include those less than 14 weeks pregnant, who can understand written English, and are having their procedure at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania. This trial excludes individuals with vertigo, epilepsy, or significant hearing or visual impairments. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to enhance patient comfort and satisfaction.

What prior data suggests that this virtual reality technique is safe for reducing pain and anxiety during abortion?

Research shows that using virtual reality (VR) to manage pain and anxiety is generally safe. In studies, participants have found VR easy to use with few side effects. For example, one study used VR to reduce anxiety during pregnancy-related procedures, and participants reported no major negative experiences. Another study applied VR during early pregnancy surgical procedures and found it helpful, with women reporting positive experiences.

Overall, VR has been tested in similar situations and is considered a safe option for managing pain and anxiety during medical procedures. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using virtual reality (VR) for pain and anxiety during abortions because it offers a novel, immersive approach to pain management. Unlike standard care options, which include oral medications and localized anesthetics, VR provides a distraction technique that engages the senses with calming, meditative visuals. This non-invasive method could potentially reduce reliance on drugs, offering a safer and more holistic way to ease discomfort and stress during medical procedures.

What evidence suggests that using a VR headset is effective for reducing pain and anxiety during a first trimester procedural abortion?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) can help reduce pain and anxiety. For instance, studies have found that VR can lower anxiety during pregnancy and other medical procedures. It also lessened pain and anxiety during certain pregnancy-related procedures. In this trial, one group of participants will use a VR headset to watch calming nature videos during a first trimester abortion, alongside usual care for pain and anxiety management. This suggests that VR might help manage pain and anxiety during the procedure. VR is simple to use and has no side effects, making it a promising way to improve comfort during these procedures. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Study Coordinator

Principal Investigator

Univeristy of Pittsburgh

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients undergoing a first trimester procedural abortion. It's designed to see if using a VR headset during the procedure can help manage pain and anxiety better than usual care alone.

Inclusion Criteria

Patients at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania who have decided to undergo and are eligible for a procedural abortion

Less than 14 weeks gestation on day of abortion

Able to comprehend written English

Exclusion Criteria

History of epilepsy

Claustrophobia

Require hearing aids

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Treatment

Participants undergo a first trimester procedural abortion with either usual care or usual care plus VR headset

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for pain, anxiety, and satisfaction after the procedure

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Virtual Reality

Trial Overview

The study compares two groups: one receives standard pain and anxiety management, while the other uses a VR headset showing meditative nature videos in addition to standard care. The aim is to assess changes in pain, anxiety, and overall satisfaction with the procedure.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: VR headset Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants will wear the VR headset during the first trimester procedural abortion, in addition to usual care for pain and anxiety management. The headset will display a meditative nature video throughout the procedure.

Group II: Usual care only Active Control 1 Intervention

Usual care for pain and anxiety management during a first trimester procedural abortion includes oral ibuprofen, intracervical block, and verbal analgesia.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Study Investigator

Lead Sponsor

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07288047

Virtual Reality as a Method for Pain and Anxiety Control ...

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether use of a virtual reality (VR) headset showing a meditative nature video will help reduce ...

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12462339/

Effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality intervention to ...

... virtual reality is effective in reducing pregnancy-related anxiety in pregnant women. The results show that the intervention decreases pregnancy ...

3.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03533036

Virtual Reality Experience in First Trimester D&C

The investigators will assess the practicality and qualitative experience of women using VR during first trimester surgical abortion under local anesthesia.

4.

ctv.veeva.com

ctv.veeva.com/study/virtual-reality-as-a-method-for-pain-and-anxiety-control-during-first-trimester-procedural-abortion

Virtual Reality as a Method for Pain and Anxiety Control ...

... (VR) headset showing a meditative nature video will help reduce pain and anxiety during a first trimester procedural abortion. Investigators ...

5.

ejog.org

ejog.org/article/S0301-2115(25)01086-3/fulltext

Virtual reality to reduce anxiety and pain during invasive ...

Virtual reality use appeared to reduce women's anxiety and pain during invasive prenatal procedures. Its simplicity of use and absence of side ...

6.

humanfactors.jmir.org

humanfactors.jmir.org/2025/1/e71708

Immersive Virtual Reality eHealth Intervention to Reduce ...

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality (IVR) eHealth intervention in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in women ...

7.

smartpatients.com

smartpatients.com/trials/NCT07288047

Virtual Reality as a Method for Pain and Anxiety Control ...

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether use of a virtual reality (VR) headset showing a meditative nature video will help reduce pain and anxiety ...