Virtual Reality for Palliative Care

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Prognosis over 1 year

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

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

20 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Virtual Reality Therapy in palliative care?

Research shows that virtual reality (VR) therapy can help improve emotional and physical well-being in palliative care patients by providing pleasant experiences and reducing pain. Patients have reported high satisfaction and usability with VR therapy, suggesting it is a promising tool for enhancing quality of life in this setting. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is virtual reality therapy safe for use in palliative care?

Virtual reality therapy has been found to be generally safe and acceptable for palliative care patients, with studies showing positive emotional and physical responses. However, there are some potential adverse effects, and professional training for VR therapists is recommended to ensure patient safety. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

How is virtual reality treatment different from other treatments for palliative care?

Virtual reality (VR) treatment is unique because it provides immersive experiences that can help manage pain and improve psychological well-being without medication. Unlike traditional treatments, VR offers patients temporary escapes and experiences they might not otherwise have, which can enhance their quality of life. ^{1 2 4 5 8}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to assess whether virtual reality technology can reduce anxiety, depression, and emotional distress screening scores in palliative care patients.

Research Team

Chimere Bruning, PA-C

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for palliative care patients with a terminal condition and an expected lifespan of less than a year. They must be able to give consent, wear VR equipment, and speak English. People over 65 or without a prognosis of 1 year or less cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

English-speaking

Established palliative care patient

I can wear virtual reality equipment like goggles.

Exclusion Criteria

Lack of a prognosis of approximately 1 year or less

I am under 18 years old.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Palliative care patients participate in a virtual reality experience for 10-30 minutes

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in emotional distress and anxiety post-intervention

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Virtual Reality

Trial Overview The study is testing if virtual reality can help reduce anxiety, depression, and emotional distress in people receiving palliative care. Participants will use VR technology as part of the intervention.

Participant Groups

Group I: Virtual reality intervention in palliative care patients Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Palliative care patients with a limited life expectancy will participate in a virtual reality experience for 10-30 minutes

Virtual Reality is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Virtual Reality Therapy for:

• Functional Dyspepsia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Gastroparesis

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,427

Recruited

3,221,000+

Findings from Research

A pilot study involving 23 hospitalized patients in palliative care showed that a two-day virtual reality music therapy (VR-MT) intervention was feasible and well-received, with 17 participants completing the program.

Participants reported high usability and satisfaction, with 53% giving the highest satisfaction rating, indicating that VR-MT could provide positive emotional and physical responses for patients during serious illness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Reality-Based Music Therapy in Palliative Care: A Pilot Implementation Trial. Brungardt, A., Wibben, A., Tompkins, AF., et al.[2022]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Reality-Based Music Therapy in Palliative Care: A Pilot Implementation Trial. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Reality Therapy in Palliative Care: A Case Series. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual reality use and patient outcomes in palliative care: A scoping review. [2023]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual reality reduces pain in palliative care-A feasibility trial. [2022]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Reality in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review. [2022]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Integrating knowledge, skills, and attitudes: professional training required for virtual reality therapists in palliative care. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Rapid Review of the Role of Virtual Reality in Care Delivery of Palliative Care and Hospice. [2023]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual reality in specialist palliative care: a feasibility study to enable clinical practice adoption. [2021]