Virtual Reality in Elective Caesarean Births Study (VREC)

Launched by ROYAL UNITED HOSPITALS BATH NHS FOUNDATION TRUST · Aug 12, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is looking at whether using virtual reality (VR) can help reduce anxiety for women having a planned cesarean section (C-section) at the Royal United Hospital. Anxiety before and during a C-section is common and can cause more pain and longer hospital stays. The researchers want to see if showing a VR video that takes women through the steps of their upcoming C-section can make them feel less worried compared to the usual information they receive before surgery.

Women who are having their first planned C-section, have no history of anxiety, and have access to a smartphone or tablet with internet can take part. Before the surgery, some women will watch the VR video, while others will get the standard information. The study will then compare how anxious and satisfied the women feel during the whole process. If this approach is safe and helpful, the team hopes to do a bigger study in the future to see if VR can improve the experience for more women having cesarean births.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Have had the decision for elective LSCS by 38 weeks gestation.
• • Has never had an emergency or elective section previously
• • Have a procedure planned and performed as a category 4 LSCS (an elective LSCS booked at a time that suits both the woman and obstetric team)
• • Have use of an android or iOS operating system smartphone or tablet device.
• • Have access to the internet.
• • Have an active email address.
• • Have capacity to consent to participate in the study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patient \<18 years of age
• • Patient refusal
• • Patients who have had an emergency or elective LSCS previously.
• • Patients with a history of anxiety disorders
• • Patients with medical or obstetric co-morbidities requiring pre-determined admission to maternity HDU care
• • Congenital structural abnormalities requiring pre-determined admission to NICU
• • Patients where spinal anaesthesia is contra-indicated
• • Women who have English of an insufficient standard to comprehend the consent and assessment process
• • Prisoners