Radiotherapy Patient Education with Virtual Reality

Purpose

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the impact of virtual reality experiences on individuals undergoing radiotherapy, aiming to assess whether this immersive technology can reduce anxiety and enhance patient overall treatment satisfaction. By comparing different virtual reality techniques and a standard informational video, the study seeks to identify optimal strategies for leveraging virtual reality to improve the patient experience during radiotherapy.

Conditions

  • Anxiety
  • Cancer

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 18 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  1. Histologically proven cancer 2. ≥18 years of age 3. Able to speak and read English and/or Spanish 4. Receiving radiotherapy at the University of Miami

Exclusion Criteria

  1. Prior radiation therapy 2. Pregnant or nursing women 3. Men or women of childbearing potential who are unwilling to employ adequate contraception 4. Patients unable to consent or are prisoners 5. Participants with impaired decision-making capacity 6. Any serious illness or medical condition that would compromise patient safety during virtual reality as judged by the treating physician 7. Unwilling or unable to watch virtual reality video 8. Unwilling to fill out survey forms

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel Assignment
Primary Purpose
Supportive Care
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Active Comparator
Informational Video 		Participants in this group will watch a two-dimensional (2D) informational video that explains the radiation treatment process. Total participation is up to 8 weeks.
  • Behavioral: Two Dimensional (2D) Informational Video
    A 30-minute informational video. The two dimensional (2D) video provides information about the radiotherapy process. Participants will receive this one-time intervention in-person, prior to treatment.
Experimental
Virtual Reality: 1st Person Perspective 		Participants in this group will have a virtual reality experience presented from a first-person perspective. Participants will wear a Meta Quest Pro virtual reality headset, immersing themselves in a scenario that replicates the radiation treatment process. Total participation is up to 8 weeks.
  • Behavioral: First-Person Virtual Reality Video
    A 30-minute virtual reality video, experienced through a headset, provides an immersive portrayal of the radiotherapy process from a first-person perspective. Participants will receive this one-time intervention in-person, prior to treatment.
Experimental
Virtual Reality: 3rd Person Perspective 		Participants in this group will wear a Meta Quest Pro virtual reality headset and use virtual reality to observe the radiation treatment scenario from a standing position within the room, enabling them to witness both the CT scan and radiation machine from an external viewpoint. Total participation is up to 8 weeks.
  • Behavioral: Third-Person Virtual Reality Video
    A 30-minute virtual reality video, experienced through a headset, provides an immersive portrayal of the radiotherapy process from a third-person perspective. Participants will receive this one-time intervention in-person, prior to treatment.

Recruiting Locations

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
University of Miami

Study Contact

Benjamin J Rich, MD
305-243-4200
brich@miami.edu

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