Virtual restorative environment therapy for burns dressing changes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of virtual restorative environment therapy to aid pain control during dry burns dressing changes
IRAS ID
118235
Contact name
Charlotte Small
Contact email
Research summary
The burns unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham admits nearly 300 patients a year, including wounded military patients. The pain of a severe burn injury is characterised by an unremitting background pain, coupled with severe exacerbations associated with essential procedures such as dressing changes, staple removal from grafts and physiotherapy. A recent audit showed that 23% of patients experience moderate or severe pain during dressing changes. This study will evaluate the use of an interactive computer game, based on a virtual restorative environment (VRE), as an adjunct to pain management during burns dressing changes.The system has been developed specifically for this patient group to allow usability for all but the most severely injured patients. The study will be a single blinded (data collector only) within-subject crossover trial where patients who are undergoing dry burn dressing changes will be receive non-interactive VRE distraction, interactive VRE distraction and a control condition using standard analgesia over three consecutive dressing changes. The order of conditions will be randomised. The primary outcome will be highest pain score (numerical rating scale) during the dressing change. Secondary outcomes will be average pain scores during dressing change, pain score one hour after dressing change, anxiety, rescue analgesia, usability, level of immersion and satisfaction. Data will also be collected on staff satisfaction with and usability of the system.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/WM/0205
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion