Evaluating the Impact of Virtual Reality on Mood in Patients Undergoing Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound for Medication-Refractory Essential Tremor

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

VR headset: video number 1: A 6-minute virtual reality (VR) video that contains sights and sounds that might affect mood. The video is viewed on a Meta Quest 2 (128GB) VR headset with Touch Controllers. Standard preoperative care is provided to all participants.

VR headset: video number 2: A 6-minute virtual reality (VR) video that contains sights and sounds that might affect mood. The video is viewed on a Meta Quest 2 (128GB) VR headset with Touch Controllers. Standard preoperative care is provided to all participants.

Study summary

The primary objective of this randomized study is to evaluate the effect of a virtual reality (VR) video on pre-treatment anxiety levels in individuals undergoing magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treatment for medication-refractory essential tremor (ET). Participants will be randomized to view one of two VR videos, and pre-treatment anxiety levels will be compared between groups.

As a secondary objective, the study will compare patient concerns (including claustrophobia, mental preparedness, and fear of pain, as well as any additional concerns identified during the study) between the two randomized groups.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Evaluation of Anxiety Levels by Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A) — Questionnaires will be collected at two time points: 1.Baseline assessment day (two weeks before the MRgFUS procedure), before and after watching the VR video. 2.Treatment day, prior to the MRgFUS procedure.
  Participants will complete questionnaires to establish baseline anxiety levels. A 10-point numeric rating scale displayed horizontally, ranging from 0 = "Not at all anxious" to 10 = "Extremely anxious." Participants mark the number that best represents their current level of anxiety. Higher scores indicate greater anxiety.
• Evaluation of Anxiety Levels by Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) — Questionnaires will be collected at two time points: 1.Baseline assessment day (two weeks before the MRgFUS procedure), before and after watching the VR video. 2.Treatment day, prior to the MRgFUS procedure.
  Participants will complete questionnaires to establish baseline anxiety levels. The Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) is a 12-item self-administered questionnaire used to assess preoperative anxiety. Each item is rated on a 5-point scale (1 = not at all to 5 = extremely). Higher scores indicate greater anxiety or information need. In this study, patient concerns may include anesthesia, head shaving, potential side effects and desire for additional procedural information.
• Evaluation of Anxiety Levels by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State Subscale (STAI-S) — Questionnaires will be collected at two time points: 1.Baseline assessment day (two weeks before the MRgFUS procedure), before and after watching the VR video. 2.Treatment day, prior to the MRgFUS procedure.
  Participants will complete questionnaires to establish baseline anxiety levels. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State Subscale (STAI-S) is a validated self-report questionnaire used to measure situational ("state") anxiety - how the participant feels "right now, at this moment." Each item is rated on a 4-point scale ranging from 1 = not at all to 4 = very much so. Higher scores indicating greater anxiety.

Trial sites (1)

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