The primary objective of this randomized study is to evaluate the effect of a virtual reality (VR) video on pre-treatment anxiety levels in individuals undergoing magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treatment for medication-refractory essential tremor (ET). Participants will be randomized to view one of two VR videos, and pre-treatment anxiety levels will be compared between groups. As a secondary objective, the study will compare patient concerns (including claustrophobia, mental preparedness, and fear of pain, as well as any additional concerns identified during the study) between the two randomized groups.
This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) intervention in reducing preoperative anxiety among adults scheduled to undergo magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for essential tremor. Sixty adult participants scheduled for MRgFUS will be randomized to view one of two 6-minute immersive VR procedural videos using a headset prior to treatment. Preoperative anxiety will be assessed using validated self-report instruments, including the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS), the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State version (STAI-S). The primary objective is to compare preoperative anxiety levels between the two VR video groups. A secondary objective is to compare patient concerns between groups, including but not limited to claustrophobia, mental preparedness, and fear of pain, as well as any additional concerns identified through patient reporting.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
A 6-minute virtual reality (VR) video that contains sights and sounds that might affect mood. The video is viewed on a Meta Quest 2 (128GB) VR headset with Touch Controllers. Standard preoperative care is provided to all participants.
A 6-minute virtual reality (VR) video that contains sights and sounds that might affect mood. The video is viewed on a Meta Quest 2 (128GB) VR headset with Touch Controllers. Standard preoperative care is provided to all participants.
Sunnybrook Health Sciences
North York, Ontario, Canada
RECRUITINGEvaluation of Anxiety Levels by Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A)
Participants will complete questionnaires to establish baseline anxiety levels. A 10-point numeric rating scale displayed horizontally, ranging from 0 = "Not at all anxious" to 10 = "Extremely anxious." Participants mark the number that best represents their current level of anxiety. Higher scores indicate greater anxiety.
Time frame: Questionnaires will be collected at two time points: 1.Baseline assessment day (two weeks before the MRgFUS procedure), before and after watching the VR video. 2.Treatment day, prior to the MRgFUS procedure.
Evaluation of Anxiety Levels by Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS)
Participants will complete questionnaires to establish baseline anxiety levels. The Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) is a 12-item self-administered questionnaire used to assess preoperative anxiety. Each item is rated on a 5-point scale (1 = not at all to 5 = extremely). Higher scores indicate greater anxiety or information need. In this study, patient concerns may include anesthesia, head shaving, potential side effects and desire for additional procedural information.
Time frame: Questionnaires will be collected at two time points: 1.Baseline assessment day (two weeks before the MRgFUS procedure), before and after watching the VR video. 2.Treatment day, prior to the MRgFUS procedure.
Evaluation of Anxiety Levels by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State Subscale (STAI-S)
Participants will complete questionnaires to establish baseline anxiety levels. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State Subscale (STAI-S) is a validated self-report questionnaire used to measure situational ("state") anxiety - how the participant feels "right now, at this moment." Each item is rated on a 4-point scale ranging from 1 = not at all to 4 = very much so. Higher scores indicating greater anxiety.
Time frame: Questionnaires will be collected at two time points: 1.Baseline assessment day (two weeks before the MRgFUS procedure), before and after watching the VR video. 2.Treatment day, prior to the MRgFUS procedure.
Participant feedback on the VR experience
Participants will be asked to provide feedback on the VR experience.
Time frame: Feedback will be collected at two time points: 1.Baseline assessment day (two weeks before the MRgFUS procedure), before and after watching the VR video. 2.Treatment day, prior to the MRgFUS procedure.
Adverse Effects Associated With Watching the VR Video
Participants will be monitored for any adverse effects experienced during or immediately after viewing the VR video. Reported effects may include, but are not limited to, dizziness, nausea, eye strain, headache, motion sickness, or discomfort related to wearing the VR headset. All adverse effects will be self-reported by participants. The frequency, type, and severity of adverse effects will be recorded and compared between the two randomized VR video groups.
Time frame: Adverse effects will be monitored at two time points: 1.Baseline assessment day (two weeks before the MRgFUS procedure). 2.Treatment day, prior to the MRgFUS procedure.
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