Virtual Reality Therapy to Improve Arthroplasty Outcomes
This study is exploring if Virtual Reality (VR) therapy can help patients feel better after a knee or hip replacement operation. VR involves wearing a headset that creates an immersive, calming 3D world with soothing sounds and images. The idea is that this can distract people from worrying thoughts, anxiety, and pain. Many patients feel anxious before and after surgery, which can affect their recovery. Current ways to manage anxiety aren't always perfect. This study aims to see if VR, as an easy-to-use, drug-free option, can make a real difference to how patients recover, reducing pain and anxiety, and potentially helping them leave hospital sooner. It's a first step to see if a larger study should be done.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you're getting ready for surgery, especially a big one like a hip or knee replacement, it's normal to feel worried or anxious. These feelings can sometimes make recovery a bit harder. Doctors and nurses try different ways to help with anxiety and pain, but they're always looking for better, simpler methods that don't involve more medications.
This study is looking at whether Virtual Reality (VR) could be a helpful tool. VR is like stepping into a different world using a special headset. It creates an immersive 3D environment with soothing sounds and beautiful images. The idea is that by focusing on this calming virtual world, your mind is distracted from any worries, anxiety, or discomfort you might be feeling. It's a non-medical approach to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable.
This is a 'pilot study', which means it's a smaller, initial step. The main goal is to find out if using VR is practical, if patients like it, and if it seems promising enough to do a bigger, more detailed study later on. The researchers want to understand if VR can truly improve how patients feel and recover after their joint replacement surgery, potentially reducing pain, the need for strong painkillers, and even helping them go home faster. They'll also check if it's easy for hospitals to use.
Key takeaways
- This study explores if Virtual Reality (VR) can help people after hip or knee surgery.
- VR uses a special headset to create calming 3D worlds to reduce anxiety and pain.
- It's a non-drug approach that could help you recover better and potentially leave hospital sooner.
- Participation involves using a VR headset and completing questionnaires.
- This is a pilot study to see if a larger trial should be done.
- You can stop taking part at any time without affecting your medical care.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult (18 or over) who is an NHS Highland patient and is planning to have a hip or knee replacement operation there. You'll need to be able to understand the study information and give your permission to join. You should also be able to speak and understand English well, and have access to the internet (Wi-Fi) and email, as you'll be using online questionnaires and the VR system.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain health conditions like Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or a history of seizures, or if you easily get motion sickness. Also, if you have serious problems with your sight or hearing that would stop you from experiencing the virtual world properly, or if your doctor thinks the study isn't right for you for another medical reason.
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.
- Are you an NHS Highland patient?
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you having a hip or knee replacement surgery?
- Can you understand English and use email/Wi-Fi?
- Do you have any conditions like severe motion sickness or epilepsy that might prevent VR use?
- Has your doctor confirmed you are suitable for the study?
What does participation involve?
If you choose to take part, you would receive a Virtual Reality (VR) headset and some training on how to use it. You would wear the headset to experience calming 3D environments with sounds and images. This is designed to help manage anxiety and pain. You would also be asked to complete some questionnaires, likely online, to share how you're feeling and how the VR is working for you. There might also be some blood samples taken, as part of your normal care, to help the researchers understand more about how your body responds. The total time you'd be involved in the study would depend on your recovery, but the questionnaires would be completed at specific times before and after your surgery. You can stop taking part at any time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- National Treatment Centre - HighlandVerified postcodeInverness, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
VR is a special computer technology that uses a headset to put you into a 3D world that looks and feels real, often with calming sounds and images.
Will I have to take extra medication for this study?
No, this study looks at using VR as a non-medication way to help you, so you won't be given extra medicines for the study itself.
Who can join this study?
This study is for adults over 18 who are having hip or knee replacement surgery at NHS Highland and can use a VR headset and online questionnaires.
What if I don't like the VR experience?
You are free to stop using the VR headset or withdraw from the study at any point if you find it uncomfortable or simply don't like it.
Will my surgery be affected if I join or don't join?
No, your decision to take part or not take part in this study will not affect the quality of care or treatment you receive for your surgery.
How to find out more
Devjit Srivastava
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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