Virtual Reality for Musculoskeletal Pain
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The proposed Virtual Reality as an Adjunct to Pain Management for Geriatric Patients in the ED (VRAP-ED) project will take place in the Emergency Medicine Department at Maimonides Medical Center. It seeks to enhance the analgesic practices for geriatric patients with acute painful conditions in the emergency setting. Although virtual reality (VR) has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pain and anxiety in various clinical settings for juveniles and adults, the analgesic efficacy of VR for geriatric ED patients lacks established data. The project will use a geriatric-focused VR platform. The project intends to improve pain management for almost 200 geriatric patients by evaluating the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in reducing pain and its impact on anxiety \& stress reduction. The research project will conduct a randomized clinical trial to investigate the analgesic efficacy and impact on anxiety \& stress by using VR as an adjunct to the standard of care (SOC) for pain management in elderly patients presenting to the ED with acute musculoskeletal pain. This will be investigated through a prospective, randomized, non-blinded clinical trial conducted over two years. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to either the control (SOC) or intervention (SOC+VR) groups. The expected outcomes of this research study will provide insight into the feasibility of using VR in a busy emergency setting for one of the most commonly encountered painful syndromes and to assess the analgesic efficacy as well as the satisfaction of VR application by both patients and ED clinicians.
How does this treatment differ from other treatments for musculoskeletal pain?
Virtual Reality (VR) treatment for musculoskeletal pain is unique because it offers a non-invasive, immersive experience that can distract patients from pain, promote cognitive behavioral changes, and enhance joint mobility. Unlike traditional treatments, VR can be used both in clinical and home settings, providing an engaging and interactive platform that may improve adherence to therapy.1234
Research Team
Sergey Motov, MD
Principal Investigator
Maimonides Medical Center
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for geriatric patients aged 65 or older in the emergency department with acute non-traumatic musculoskeletal pain, scoring at least a 4 on the pain scale. Participants must understand the study and be alert. They should require parenteral analgesia as determined by their doctor and be able to complete assessments.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either Standard of Care (SOC) or SOC plus Virtual Reality (VR) therapy for pain management
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for pain reduction, anxiety, stress, and adverse effects
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Virtual Reality (Behavioural Intervention)
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Antonios Likourezos
Lead Sponsor