Effects of Virtual Reality Hypnosis on Anxiety, Pain and Comfort in Oncology Patients During a Port-catheter Placement Procedure

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF LIEGE · Mar 12, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a new approach called Virtual Reality Hypnosis (VRH) on reducing anxiety and pain in cancer patients who need a procedure to place a port-catheter (PAC). A PAC is a small device implanted in the chest or arm that helps patients receive treatments like chemotherapy more easily. Many patients feel anxious or experience pain during and after this procedure. The trial will involve 102 cancer patients who will be randomly assigned to two groups: one will receive standard care with local anesthesia, while the other will use VRH along with the usual care. Researchers will measure how much pain and anxiety the patients feel before and after the procedure.

To participate in this trial, patients must be between 18 and 75 years old and should not have certain conditions that could interfere with the use of the VR device, such as severe visual or auditory impairments, certain psychiatric disorders, or a fear of deep water. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to improve the experience of patients undergoing this common procedure by exploring this innovative method.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Low auditory and/or visual acuity precludes the use of the device.
• • Head or face wounds precluding the use of the device.
• • Schizophrenia, dissociative disorder or any other psychiatric disorder.
• • Non-proficiency in French (Research language).
• • Patient under 18 years old.
• • Phobia of deep water.
• • Dizziness.