Virtual Reality to Reduce Pre-procedure Anxiety Prior ECT

Launched by SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE · Feb 27, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

**Trial Summary: Virtual Reality to Reduce Pre-procedure Anxiety Prior to ECT**

This clinical trial is exploring whether using Virtual Reality (VR) can help patients feel less anxious before undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). Many patients have fears about ECT due to a lack of understanding about the procedure, with around 60% reporting high levels of anxiety. In this study, participants will either experience a virtual ECT education session through VR or receive standard preparation by talking with a psychiatrist. The goal is to see if the VR experience can lower anxiety levels and improve knowledge about ECT compared to the traditional method.

To participate, individuals must be at least 18 years old, be first-time ECT patients, and be scheduled for ECT within a few days. Participants will complete questionnaires to measure their anxiety levels and understanding before and after their session. Additionally, their heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored just before their ECT treatment. This study aims not only to ease patient anxiety but also to strengthen the relationship between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring better education and support throughout the ECT process.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥18
• • First time undergoing ECT within the last year
• • Outpatient/inpatient recommended for ECT
• • Within 2-4 days of ECT procedure or no ECT within the past year
• • Referred by psychiatrist
• • Able to understand English
• • Able to watch and respond to questions
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Lack of patient consent or capacity to give consent
• • Visual and hearing impairments precluding the ability to watch or listen to video
• • History of significant motion sickness (i.e. occur during exposure to physical, visual and virtual motion, cybersickness verbally declared by patient)