What is virtual reality therapy studying for dialysis patients?

Virtual reality therapy is being studied to see if it can reduce symptom burden and improve mental wellbeing during dialysis treatments. Researchers want to know if using virtual reality during dialysis sessions can make the experience better for patients. This study is sponsored by David Blum and involves patients undergoing regular hemodialysis.

Who may be eligible for this dialysis clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 years or older who are receiving thrice-weekly hemodialysis sessions and have no visual or hearing impairments may be eligible. Participants must be able to speak and understand German or English and have no cognitive impairments. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this dialysis clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the virtual reality therapy and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses to the study site may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any transportation costs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID06250582

Does Virtual Reality Improve Symptom Burden in Dialysis Patients?

Led by David Blum · Updated on 2025-04-27

Participants Needed

Research Sites

21 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to study whether virtual reality therapy can reduce the symptoms and improve mental wellbeing in patients undergoing dialysis. Dialysis patients often face significant physical and emotional challenges during treatment, which can lower their quality of life. The study focuses on using virtual reality during dialysis sessions to help ease these burdens and improve overall patient experience. Participants will take part in a randomized crossover trial lasting about ten weeks, where they will receive virtual reality therapy during their regular dialysis sessions for one month. Each virtual reality session lasts 30 minutes and is conducted while the patient is receiving hemodialysis. After a one-week break, participants switch to a control period of one month where they receive standard dialysis care without virtual reality. The order of these periods is randomly assigned. During the study, patients will wear virtual reality glasses while lying in bed or chair during hemodialysis, with their vital signs monitored regularly. They will also complete questionnaires about their physical and mental health at set times. Researchers will measure symptom burden, mental wellbeing, heart rate, blood pressure, and assess how acceptable and appropriate virtual reality therapy is from both patient and clinical staff perspectives. The total study duration, including both phases and washout, is approximately ten weeks.