Actively Recruiting
Virtual Reality as an Adjunctive Agent for the Management of Pain and Anxiety During First Trimester Procedural Abortion: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by Study Investigator · Updated on 2026-05-06
72
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to learn whether using a virtual reality (VR) headset showing a meditative nature video can help reduce pain and anxiety during a first trimester procedural abortion. The study compares usual care alone with usual care plus the VR headset to see if the VR device lowers pain and anxiety and improves satisfaction with the procedure. This trial focuses on patients undergoing outpatient first trimester procedural abortions and evaluates a noninvasive technology to improve comfort. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive usual care, which includes oral ibuprofen, local anesthetic (intracervical block), and verbal reassurance, or to receive the usual care plus wear a VR headset for the procedure. The VR headset displays a guided meditative nature video throughout the abortion procedure. The study involves these two groups to assess whether the addition of VR can enhance pain and anxiety management. During the study, participants will complete surveys before the procedure, immediately after, and one week later to report their pain, anxiety, and satisfaction levels. Pain and anxiety are measured right before and 15 minutes after the abortion procedure. Researchers will closely monitor these outcomes to understand the effect of VR on patient experience. The overall study participation includes assessments at the time of abortion and follow-up one week later.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Virtual Reality as a Method for Pain and Anxiety Control During First Trimester Procedural Abortion
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients who have decided to undergo and are eligible for a procedural abortion at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania
- 18 years old or older
- Less than 14 weeks gestation on the day of abortion
- Able to understand written English
- Willing to comply with the study protocol
- Able and willing to provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- History of vertigo
- History of epilepsy
- Claustrophobia
- Significant hearing or visual impairments such as deafness or blindness
- Require hearing aids
- Have an implanted medical device like a cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator
- Require misoprostol for cervical preparation
- Prior unsuccessful attempt at abortion during this pregnancy
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Day of enrollment
Participants undergo a first trimester procedural abortion while receiving either usual care or a VR headset displaying meditative nature videos to help manage pain and anxiety.
1 procedure visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 week
Participants complete surveys immediately postprocedure and one week after the abortion to assess pain, anxiety, and satisfaction.
2 survey timepoints (immediately postprocedure and 1 week later)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Center for Family Planning Research, Magee-Womens Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213
Actively Recruiting
2
Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Study Coordinator
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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