Virtual Reality for Pre-procedure Anxiety Before ECT

(PERFECT-VR Trial)

Overseen by Fahad Alam

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

No Placebo Group

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial uses VR to help patients scheduled for ECT by showing them a virtual experience of the procedure. This aims to reduce their anxiety and improve their understanding of ECT. By making patients more familiar with the process, the study hopes to lower their fear and increase the success rate of the treatment. Virtual reality (VR) has been used successfully to treat anxiety disorders and improve patient understanding of medical procedures.

Research Team

Fahad Alam

Principal Investigator

SHSC

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults (18+) who are about to undergo their first ECT session within a year, can understand English, and are able to watch videos and answer questions. It's not for those with visual/hearing issues that prevent video watching, severe motion sickness, or inability to consent.

Inclusion Criteria

You can understand and communicate in English.

I had an ECT procedure 2-4 days ago or none in the past year.

I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

You get very nauseous or dizzy when you experience motion, such as when you're on a boat or playing video games.

I cannot see or hear well enough to watch or listen to videos.

I am unable to give consent for the trial.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Virtual Reality (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests if a VR experience of an ECT education session before the actual treatment reduces anxiety more effectively than standard preparation with a psychiatrist. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these two approaches.

Participant Groups

Group I: Standard Treatment Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patients will receive standard preparation for their ECT session.

Group II: Immersive Virtual Reality Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patients will be immersed in the ECT experience using VR-ECT 360o video (VR-ECT).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Lead Sponsor

Trials

693

Recruited

1,569,000+

Dr. Rajin Mehta

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Chief Medical Officer

MD from University of Toronto

Dr. Andrew J. Smith

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

President and CEO since 2017

MD, MSc from University of Toronto; Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center