Comparing Social and Individual Virtual Reality to Reduce Symptoms and Loneliness in People Receiving Hemodialysis for End Stage Kidney Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying patients with end stage kidney disease who receive hemodialysis to compare the effects of social virtual reality versus individual virtual reality on symptoms such as loneliness, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. This is a randomized controlled trial with two groups to better understand how these virtual reality experiences may differ in impact during dialysis sessions. Participants will be divided into two groups. One group will use social virtual reality glasses to watch movies or programs together in groups of three, allowing interaction and conversation during 30 to 45-minute dialysis sessions. The other group will use individual virtual reality glasses to watch content alone for the same duration during dialysis. This intervention will last for 4 weeks during their hemodialysis treatments. During the study, participants will use virtual reality glasses during their dialysis sessions and will be assessed using the De Jong Gierveld Scale at the start and after 4 weeks to measure loneliness. Researchers will also explore effects on anxiety, depression, and quality of life. The trial will monitor participants throughout the 4-week intervention period, and the total study completion is expected by the end of 2026.

Virtual Reality in End Stage Kidney Disease