Study of Virtual Reality to Reduce Pain and Anxiety During Burn Wound Dressing Changes in Adults Aged 18 to 65

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of immersive virtual reality VR as an addition to standard pain relief methods during dressing changes for adult burn patients. This randomized controlled trial compares an intervention group receiving standard care plus immersive VR distraction using a head-mounted display with a control group receiving standard care plus non-VR distraction by watching a nature video on a tablet. The study aims to measure procedural pain intensity and anxiety levels to address the variability and small sample sizes of previous VR studies in burn care pain management. Participants aged 18 to 65 with partial-thickness burns scheduled for routine dressing changes will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group will wear a VR headset during each dressing change session, lasting about 10 to 15 minutes, to experience an engaging virtual environment designed to distract from pain and anxiety. The control group will watch a calming nature video on a tablet during their dressing changes. Both groups will receive standard analgesic care following institutional protocols. During the study, data on pain intensity using a Visual Analog Scale and anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory will be collected immediately after each dressing change. Additional measures include patient satisfaction and physiological parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure recorded throughout the procedure. Outcome assessors will be blinded to group assignments. The trial will collect repeated measures over dressing change sessions to compare effects between groups.

Virtual Reality Adjunct for Procedural Pain and Anxiety Management in Burn Wound Care