Pilot Study to Assess Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Virtual Reality in Cancer Patients
Summary
This clinical trial tests the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of a virtual reality intervention to improve psychological symptom burden for cancer patients undergoing treatment. Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that allows users to experience and interact with three-dimensional, computer-generated environments that simulate the real world or imagined settings. The VR intervention consists of a preloaded with immersive environments designed to engage the senses through simulated sights and sounds. This may include a walk through of a serene forest, exploring vibrant coral reefs, swimming with dolphins, or standing at the base of a majestic waterfall. These environments are created to provide a relaxing and engaging experience. Completing the VR intervention may be a safe and effective way to improve quality of life, reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and promote healthy living for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Arms & interventions
- OtherQuestionnaire Administration
Participants will complete pre- and post-intervention questionnaires to assess symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
- OtherVirtual Reality (VR) Intervention
Participants will engage in a single-session immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience lasting approximately 20-30 minutes. The VR content will include calming, guided experiences such as nature scenes, meditation, or breathing exercises designed to promote relaxation and reduce psychological distress. The intervention will be administered in a clinical setting.
Outcome measures
Primary
Successfully complete the virtual reality (VR) intervention (Feasibility)
Feasibility of VR will be assessed by the proportion of participants who successfully complete the intervention.
Time frame: Baseline
Absence of major issues during administration (Feasibility)
Feasibility of VR will be evaluated by the absence of (low/no recorded incidence of) major technical or usability issues during administration
Time frame: Baseline
Acceptability
Will be assessed via the Post-Study Exit Interview Questionnaire, a questionnaire developed specifically for this study. It consists of 17 questions. Eight questions relate to the VR experience (e.g., comfort of headset, control of actions in VR environment, understandability of instructions, technical issues). Five questions relate to symptoms (e.g., dizziness, nausea, headache) or discomfort experienced during and immediately following VR use. The remaining questions relate to helpfulness of intervention, improvement suggestions, other feedback, and interest in learning more about services and resources. Results will be analyzed descriptively.
Time frame: Baseline
Secondary
Change in anxiety
Time frame: Baseline (pre- to post-intervention, approximately 1.5 hours)
Change in depression
Time frame: Baseline (pre- to post-intervention, approximately 1.5 hours)
Change in fatigue
Time frame: Baseline (pre- to post-intervention, approximately 1.5 hours)
Change in overall quality of life
Time frame: Baseline (pre- to post-intervention, approximately 1.5 hours)
Eligibility criteria
Study locations (1)
Mayo Clinic in Florida
Jacksonville, Florida, 32224-9980