Virtual Reality for Sickle Cell Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether virtual reality can help manage pain for individuals with sickle cell disease during painful episodes known as vaso-occlusive crises. Participants will try various virtual reality setups, including passive (just watching) and active (interacting) experiences, to determine if these devices can reduce pain alongside standard treatments. Individuals with sickle cell disease who frequently visit the emergency room for severe pain might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative pain management techniques.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on using virtual reality alongside standard care, so you may not need to stop your medications, but it's best to confirm with the trial organizers.
What prior data suggests that virtual reality devices are safe for patients with sickle cell disease?
Research has shown that using virtual reality (VR) to manage pain in sickle cell disease is generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found that VR can reduce pain during the painful episodes common in sickle cell patients. When patients used VR alongside their regular treatments, they often experienced less pain.
Other research has demonstrated that VR is a practical option for patients hospitalized due to these painful episodes. It did not cause major side effects, and patients used it without problems. Both types of VR experiences, whether watching or interacting, have been tested and have not been linked to serious side effects.
While these studies do not list every possible side effect, the evidence suggests that VR is a safe way to help manage pain in sickle cell disease.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using virtual reality (VR) for managing sickle cell disease because it offers a non-drug approach to pain management during acute vaso-occlusive crises. Unlike traditional treatments that rely on pain medications like opioids, VR provides a distraction technique that can potentially reduce pain perception without the side effects of drugs. The passive immersive VR experience allows patients to be visually and audibly engaged in a soothing environment, while the active immersive VR adds an interactive element, potentially enhancing the distraction effect. This innovative use of technology could offer a novel, side-effect-free option for patients looking for alternative pain management strategies.
What evidence suggests that virtual reality devices are effective for sickle cell disease?
Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) can help manage pain for people with sickle cell disease during painful episodes. This trial will randomize participants into different arms to test VR therapy's effectiveness. One arm will involve a passive immersive VR experience, where participants watch without interaction, while another will involve an active immersive VR experience, allowing interaction with the virtual environment. Studies have found that using VR alongside regular treatments might reduce pain, and patients have reported feeling less pain with both types of VR experiences. VR therapy is considered a promising tool for managing sickle cell pain and could be a useful addition to current care methods.13467
Who Is on the Research Team?
R. Gentry Wilklerson, MD
Principal Investigator
U of Maryland, Baltimore
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients with sickle cell disease who are currently experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis. It's designed to see if virtual reality can help manage their pain alongside the usual treatments they receive.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants use virtual reality devices or placebo for a maximum of 2 hours during a single session in the emergency department
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in pain scores and other outcomes immediately after the intervention and 1 hour post-intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Virtual Reality Devices
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Lead Sponsor