Virtual Reality as a Non-Pharmacologic Intervention for the Management of Pain Among Cancer Patients

Keywords

Pain, cancer, patients, neurofeedback, virtual reality, alternative care

Types of Research

Research methods development/testing; community-based participatory; clinical research; pilot and feasibility testing

Summary

This pilot study will utilize a 3x2 factorial study design to evaluate the impact of differing VRNF dosages and frequencies on patient pain and anxiety during treatment. This study will recruit patients with a cancer diagnosis receiving curative intent therapy at the outpatient infusion clinic within the University of Colorado Cancer Center or Highlands Ranch Hospital.

Significance

The significance of this project is to adapt the usage of VRNF based on patient feedback, EEG signals in response to VRNF, and assessed optimal dosage. Upon doing so, we will explore the accessibility and feasibility of VRNF among outpatient settings. Furthermore, we will gain an understanding of how VRNF affects patients' mood, pain, and anxiety management.

Impact

Through this multi-site clinical trial, we will gain an understanding of how to alter the usage of VRNF in order to best implement it as a concurrent therapy with systemic treatment for cancer patients. We will be able to better understand the optimal implementation of VRNF as a method to manage pain and anxiety, increasing patients’ quality of life.

Implications for Reducing Health Disparities

People who have been diagnosed with cancer endure intensive treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy which can intensify pain and anxiety,^2-4 therefore diminishing their quality of life.⁶ Psychological distress and pain management from these treatments emphasize the need for intervention.

Virtual Reality and neurofeedback are evidence-based non-pharmacologic approaches but have never been explored as an intervention for managing cancer symptoms during systemic treatment.^12-14The results of this clinical trial would allow insight into the future implementation of this intervention approach. Virtual reality is a way to deliver mindfulness activities, which have been proven to reduce pain and distress among patients who have cancer.³The integration of this intervention would allow for a therapeutic, innovative approach to pain management.

References

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Department of Family Medicine

School of Medicine