NCT06917300

Virtual Reality as a Digital Premed to Alleviate Pain and Anxiety Preoperatively in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 150 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Medical University of Lodz · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 25 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The aim of this research study is to evaluate the impact of immersive VR exposure on preoperative anxiety and pain. Additionally, to assess whether VR intervention would significantly alleviate pain and anxiety levels of patients undergoing complex spinal surgeries. Investigators hypothesize that the application of pre-operative VR-based intervention will alleviate anxiety and pain both pre- and post-operatively when it is used as treatment to complement standard care compared to standard routine care alone, and that it may lead to better outcomes and higher satisfaction in patients.

Conditions

• Anxiety and Fear
• Pain, Postoperative
• Stress

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Virtual Reality	The VR group will be exposed to a unified 15-minute VR video via phone using a VR device and goggles after receiving routine standard care. A 360˚ video with an immersive audio-visual environment describing pre-operative and post-operative experience on the day of the surgery will be provided, by which they can get accustomed to the environment and procedures associated with the surgery. Background audio will be provided through headsets, and the video will be directed by a neurosurgeon filmed using a Max 360 action VR camera. In the video, actors, neurosurgeons, and nurses will re-enact a typical day for a mock patient undergoing surgery, plus routine post-operative care, including the post-operative immediate recovery room and rehabilitation care by neurosurgeons, psychologists, and physiotherapists in the ward. Patients are allowed to move around freely so that they can experience all aspects of the virtual space, and are encouraged to ask questions at the end.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-08-16
• Primary completion: 2025-09-15
• Completion: 2026-09-30
• First posted: 2025-04-08
• Last updated: 2025-04-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Poland