Virtual Reality in Elective Caesarean Births Study (VREC)
This study, called VREC, is for women having a planned C-section at the Royal United Hospital. It aims to see if a special virtual reality (VR) film can help make them feel less worried before their operation. Many women can feel anxious about C-sections, which can sometimes lead to more pain or a longer hospital stay. The VR film will show what happens during a C-section journey at the hospital, from arriving to being with their baby afterwards. One group of women will watch this film, while another group will receive the usual information. Researchers will then compare their anxiety levels and satisfaction. This first step aims to check if the VR film is safe and then, if successful, a larger study might follow.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're getting ready for something big, like welcoming your baby into the world through a planned C-section. It's completely normal to feel a bit nervous or anxious about what will happen. This study, called VREC, wants to explore if a new way of giving you information can help make you feel calmer and more prepared.
We know that feeling very anxious before an operation can sometimes lead to more pain, a longer stay in hospital, or even increase the chance of getting an infection. So, finding ways to help women feel less worried is really important for their well-being. Doctors and nurses often give out information, but this study is trying something new: a specially made virtual reality (VR) film. This film will give you a detailed, 360-degree tour of what your C-section day will look like at the Royal United Hospital, from the moment you arrive until you're cuddling your new baby on the ward. The idea is to make the "unknown" feel more familiar.
To find out if this VR film helps, we’ll be comparing two groups of women. One group will watch the VR film, and the other will get the standard information everyone usually receives. We'll then ask both groups about their feelings and experiences to see if the VR film made a difference. If this study shows that the VR film is safe and well-received, it could lead to bigger studies to see if this approach could help many more women having C-sections in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study uses a VR film to help reduce anxiety for planned C-sections.
- It aims to make the C-section journey clearer and less scary.
- Participation will involve watching a film or receiving standard information.
- Your feelings about anxiety and satisfaction will be collected.
- It's only for first-time planned C-sections at Royal United Hospital.
- Taking part is voluntary and won't affect your medical care.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a woman who has a planned C-section booked at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. This C-section must be your first, meaning you haven't had one before, either planned or in an emergency. You'll also need to have a smartphone or tablet (like an iPhone or Android phone) with internet access and an active email address.
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're under 18 or if you've had a C-section before. Also, if you've been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, or if you have certain medical conditions that mean you'll need special hospital care right after giving birth, you wouldn't be able to take part. Similarly, if your baby needs special care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) straight after birth due to a known condition, or if you can't have a spinal anaesthetic, you wouldn't be suitable. Finally, if you're a prisoner or can't understand English well enough to follow the study information, you won't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am having my first planned C-section at the Royal United Hospital.
- I have a smartphone or tablet with internet access.
- I have an active email address.
- I am 18 years old or older.
- I haven't had a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be asked to watch a special virtual reality film about having a C-section at the Royal United Hospital. This film will show you what to expect on the day, from arriving to being with your new baby. You'll watch this using a VR headset, which can make the experience feel very real, or you might be in a group that receives the standard information. Throughout your C-section journey, from before the birth to afterwards, we will ask you some questions about how you're feeling and your satisfaction. This will involve filling in some questionnaires. Everything will be explained clearly by the midwifery team when you have your routine appointments before your baby arrives. We'll compare the answers from the women who watched the VR film with those who received the standard information.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Bath Birthing Centre, Royal United Hospital Bath Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBath, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a virtual reality (VR) film?
It's a special video that makes you feel like you're actually there, by showing you a 360-degree, 3D view of the C-section journey inside the hospital.
Will watching the VR film mean I have a different C-section?
No, the study is just looking at how you receive information. Your C-section care will be exactly the same as planned by your medical team.
Do I have to do this study?
No, taking part is completely your choice. Your decision won't affect your medical care in any way.
What if I feel uncomfortable watching the VR film?
You can stop watching at any time. We want you to feel comfortable and safe throughout the study.
How will my feelings be measured?
We'll ask you to answer some questions on questionnaires at different points during your C-section journey to understand how you're feeling.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.