Virtual reality (VR) has been used in health care settings to decrease anxiety and pain. This project is a feasibility study to evaluate whether virtual reality can be used in the setting of a first trimester pregnancy termination by D\&C and whether the use of virtual reality (VR) headsets can help decrease anxiety for patients during this procedure.
The investigators will assess the practicality and qualitative experience of women using VR during first trimester surgical abortion under local anesthesia. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted to understand the patient's experience of using VR. Surveys evaluating anxiety will be administered to women before and after surgical abortion. Investigators plan to enroll 30 patients in order to obtain an effect size for future studies. A group of control patients will be enrolled; these patients will receive standard care and will be compared to the anxiety scores of the group receiving VR. The mean and standard deviation of anxiety scores for each group will be used to calculate power for future studies.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Virtual reality (VR) is a three-dimensional experience created by a headset fitted with a video display. The device, designed to be worn on the face, immerses the viewer in a virtual world and can create a visual distraction from the patient's present situation. We will use a commercially available VR device, comprised of a phone and headset. The phone is inserted into the headset to act as the visual display that can create three dimensional environments. The patient will then choose the virtual reality experience she prefers from the two relaxation programs available. The VR device will be introduced to the participant and fitted to her head prior to the procedure. The device is intended to be worn during the full length of the procedure until the conclusion of the D\&C, however the participant may decide to stop wearing the device and choose to end the VR experience at any time.
University of California Los Angeles Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic
Los Angeles, California, United States
Number of Participants Able to Use VR Device Throughout the Entire Duration of First Trimester Surgical Abortion.
Number of participants able to use VR device throughout the entire duration of first trimester surgical abortion.
Time frame: 15 minutes
Change in Procedure Related Anxiety as Assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Mean change in procedure related anxiety score as assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The Visual Analog Scale is a 11 point scale ranging from 0 to 10. 0 indicates the least amount of discomfort or anxiety whereas 10 represents the most amount of discomfort or anxiety. Participants were surveyed on their level of discomfort prior to and after the procedure. The difference of these scores was taken and the average of each group is presented in as a result.
Time frame: 30 min
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.