Management of chronic pain involves an array of tools, such as radiofrequency thermocoagulation (Rf-Tc). Like many other invasive procedures, Rf-Tc can generate an increase in pain perception and anxiety levels. Virtual reality hypnosis (VRH) is a promising tool in managing anxiety and pain. Nevertheless, its effectiveness has not been investigated in patients with chronic pain goig througha Rf-Tc procedure. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of VRH on self-assessed anxiety in patients with chronic pain having to undergo an act of Tf-Rc. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: VRH or Control (usual care). Assessment were carried-out at 4 periods of time: T0 (the week before the Rf-Tc); T1 (pre-intervention the day of the Rf-Tc); T2 (post-intervention the day of the Rf-Tc); and T3 (post-Rf-Tc). Medical and socio-demographic data, immersive tendencies pain, anxiety, and satisfaction were assessed at each time points.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
33
VRH was delivered through a 3D virtual reality headpiece equipped with a head-tracking system based on hypnosis induction and suggestions (relaxation, comfort, and safety). The complete intervention lasted 17 minutes.
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège
Liège, Belgium
Anxiety
Assessed with a numerical rating scale (0= no anxiety; 10= worst anxiety).
Time frame: One week before the Radiofrquency; on the day of the radiofrequency before the VRH/Ctr; right after the VRH/Ctr, and after the radiofrequency
Anxiety trait
Assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. This questionnaire includes 20 items assessing trait anxiety The scores can vary from 20 to 80. The higher the score, the more the individual is said to be anxious
Time frame: One week before the Radiofrquency
Pain intensity
Assessed with a numerical rating scale (0= no pain; 10= worst pain immaginable).
Time frame: One week before the Radiofrquency; on the day of the radiofrequency before the VRH/Ctr; right after the VRH/Ctr, and after the radiofrequency
Immersive tendencies
Immersive tendencies questionnaire contains 18 items rated on a scale of 1 (never) to 7 (often). It contains 4 sub-scales : "Focus" is the tendency to stay focused on ongoing activities; "Involvement" is the tendency to become involved in activities ; "Emotion" is the tendency to be emotionally involved by the environment; "Game" is the tendency to play video games. A total score is also available, and it varies from 18 to 126. The higher the score, the higher the tendency for immersion in the virtual environment.
Time frame: On the day of the radiofrequency before the VRH/Ctr
Sens of presence
The 12-item Presence Questionnaire is a self-made questionnait that assesses patients' feelings during the experience in the immersive environment. All items are rated from 1 to 7 The higher the scores, the more impressions experienced by the participants are perceived as real.
Time frame: Right after the VRH/Ctr
Satisfaction
Assessed with a numerical rating scale (0= total dissatisfaction, 10= total satisfaction).
Time frame: After the radiofrequency, Average 1 hour
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.