Reducing Pain and Anxiety During Dressing Changes After Burn Surgery Using Virtual Reality
Launched by SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE · Mar 26, 2021
Trial Information
Current as of November 11, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is exploring a new way to help burn patients manage pain and anxiety during dressing changes after skin graft surgery. The study is testing the use of virtual reality (VR) as a distraction tool. Participants will wear special headgear to watch immersive 360-degree videos designed to take their mind off the painful procedure. By focusing on these VR experiences, researchers hope to reduce the need for pain medications like opioids, which can lead to dependency.
To be eligible for the trial, participants must be at least 18 years old and scheduled for one skin graft surgery due to an acute burn injury. They should also be able to stay in the hospital for at least two days for dressing changes and must be alert enough to watch the VR videos and answer questions. Throughout the study, participants will rate their anxiety and pain levels before and after using the VR. This research aims to understand how effective VR can be in improving the overall experience for burn patients during a challenging time.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Age ≥ 18
- • Patients anticipated to receive only one skin autograft surgery for acute burn injury at RTBC (patients may have received an allograft skin procedure prior to the autograft)
- • Patients who will require inpatient stay for at least two consecutive daily dressing changes
- • Patients alert and oriented, and able to watch immersive video and respond to questions
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Patients on mechanical ventilation
- • Patients receiving intravenous sedation
- • Patients with significant face, neck or scalp burn wounds
- • Patients with confirmed resistant bacteria (MRSA, CPE, VRE)
- • Patients with history of significant motion sickness (i.e. occur during exposure to physical, visual and virtual motion, cybersickness, etc.) verbally declared by patient
- • Patients unable to communicate
About Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is a leading academic health science organization located in Toronto, Canada, renowned for its commitment to advancing patient care through innovative research and education. As a prominent clinical trial sponsor, Sunnybrook integrates cutting-edge medical research with clinical practice, focusing on a wide range of health disciplines, including cancer care, trauma, and cardiovascular health. The center collaborates with various stakeholders, including academic institutions, healthcare providers, and industry partners, to facilitate the development of novel therapies and improve health outcomes. With a robust infrastructure and a dedicated team of researchers and clinicians, Sunnybrook plays a pivotal role in translating scientific advancements into tangible benefits for patients.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Toronto, Canada
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Alan D Rogers, MD
Principal Investigator
SHSC
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported
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