25 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Virtual Reality for Pain

(PRISM Trial)

MW
SA
Overseen ByStephanie A Ballard, MSc
Age: Any Age
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: McGill University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will test whether immersive virtual reality (iVR) can reduce pain and discomfort during wound care for residents living in long-term care (LTC). Pressure ulcers are common and painful among older adults, and dressing changes often cause additional distress.

Up to 20 residents at the Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre will use virtual reality headsets during routine wound care. The headsets display calm, low-stimulus scenes (e.g., puppies in a meadow) designed to distract and comfort participants.

Each participant will take part for six weeks in three phases:

* Two weeks of usual wound care (baseline)

* Two weeks using virtual reality during wound care (intervention)

* Two weeks of usual care again (washout)

Pain will be assessed using validated tools, and the research team will also observe agitation, mood, and other behavioral indicators. Nursing staff will provide feedback on feasibility and acceptability of iVR use in LTC settings.

Who Is on the Research Team?

MW

Machelle Wilchesky, PhD

Principal Investigator

Lady Davis Institute-CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

I can understand English or French.
I can comfortably use a virtual reality headset.
Resident of LTC for ≥2 weeks
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Allergies to synthetic plastics or headset materials
Head or ear wounds preventing headset placement
Dangerous or aggressive behaviors in the past 30 days
See 2 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Baseline

Standard wound care without iVR

2 weeks
Regular wound care visits

Intervention

Wound care performed while the resident uses iVR

2 weeks
Regular wound care visits with iVR

Washout

Standard wound care resumed without iVR

2 weeks
Regular wound care visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Immersive Virtual Reality

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Immersive virtual reality during wound careExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Usual CareActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McGill University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
421
Recruited
1,017,000+

Lady Davis Institute

Collaborator

Trials
50
Recruited
6,600+