Virtual Reality and Outpatient Hysteroscopy- Version 1

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Virtual Reality as a Distraction technique for management of acute pain at Outpatient Hysteroscopy.

• IRAS ID

  245511

• Sponsor organisation

  Imperial College London

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 4 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Performing procedures for investigation and treatment of gynaecological conditions in the office setting is becoming commonplace. Outpatient gynaecological procedures can reduce risks of general anaesthetic, decrease health care costs and make the procedure more convenient for the patient and provider. However, ensuring adequate pain relief and allaying anxiety during the procedure can prove to be challenging.
  There has been limited research done on the role of distraction techniques in pain management in outpatient gynaecological procedures. Virtual reality is a relatively new intervention, which has been studied as a non-pharmacological method for pain relief. VR as a form of managing pain has been studied in paediatrics, dentistry, burns treatment, treatment of chronic pain. It has not been studied in the management of pain of gynaecological procedures, which are increasingly being performed as office procedures.
  The study will be conducted at Whipps Cross Hospital in the outpatient hysteroscopy (OPH) clinic over a period of 4 months. 40 patients will be randomised to either watching a VR video during the OPH vs standard procedure of performing an OPH. The patients will fill in a questionnaire before and after the OPH and those patients who have had the VR intervention will have a semi structured interview re their experiences around the VR experience. The clinician performing the procedure will fill in a questionnaire regarding the ease of the procedure and perceived pain levels of the patient. The clinician and nurse supporting the clinic will complete a questionnaire around feasibility of VR.Aim: The feasibility of VR for management of acute pain in OPH, its effectiveness and a qualitative analysis to understand its role in office procedures. If found to be of benefit, giving the patient a range of options will increase the number of successful procedures in the outpatient setting and improve patient experience.

• REC name

  North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  18/NE/0165

• Date of REC Opinion

  29 May 2018

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion