NCT06082427

Impact of Virtual Reality Hypnosis Before an Invasive Medical Procedure for Patients With Chronic Pain

Virtual Reality Hypnosis Prior to Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for Patients With Chronic Pain: A Prospective Quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 33 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Liege · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 85 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Management of chronic pain involves an array of tools, such as radiofrequency thermocoagulation (Rf-Tc). Like many other invasive procedures, Rf-Tc can generate an increase in pain perception and anxiety levels. Virtual reality hypnosis (VRH) is a promising tool in managing anxiety and pain. Nevertheless, its effectiveness has not been investigated in patients with chronic pain goig througha Rf-Tc procedure. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of VRH on self-assessed anxiety in patients with chronic pain having to undergo an act of Tf-Rc. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: VRH or Control (usual care). Assessment were carried-out at 4 periods of time: T0 (the week before the Rf-Tc); T1 (pre-intervention the day of the Rf-Tc); T2 (post-intervention the day of the Rf-Tc); and T3 (post-Rf-Tc). Medical and socio-demographic data, immersive tendencies pain, anxiety, and satisfaction were assessed at each time points.

Conditions

• Chronic Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Virtual reality hypnosis	VRH was delivered through a 3D virtual reality headpiece equipped with a head-tracking system based on hypnosis induction and suggestions (relaxation, comfort, and safety). The complete intervention lasted 17 minutes.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-03-01
• Primary completion: 2022-07-30
• Completion: 2023-03-31
• First posted: 2023-10-13
• Last updated: 2023-10-13

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Belgium