None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Clinical interventions using virtual reality with cancer patients have shown psychological benefits and reductions in common cancer symptoms such as pain and fatigue. This proposed study is a randomised controlled trial comparing two virtual reality nature experiences; "Ripple" created by (BCF) which uses real footage of three nature scenes around New Zealand and "Happy Place” a commercial animated camping experience. The study aims to investigate how the “Ripple” VR experience compares to “Happy Place”, in improving well-being in women with advanced breast cancer. The primary outcome measure quality of life is measured using the EQ-5D-5L (Herdman et al., 2011). Secondary outcome variables, fatigue, pain, psychological distress, spirituality, connectedness to nature and relaxation will be also be assessed. A secondary aim of this study is to determine the duration of effects of the VR experience i.e., how long beneficial effects last following exposure to VR experience. We hypothesise that both experiences will show improvements in all the outcome variables being assessed, but the real nature experience “Ripple” will show incremental improvements above that of “Happy Place”.
Interventions
All participants will be exposed to both VR experiences; however, the order of exposure will depend on whether participants are randomised to Group 1(A:B) or Group 2 (B:A). There will be a one-week washout period to minimise carry over effects between the two interventions. During the intervention weeks, participants will use the VR experience every day for a minimum of 10-minutes. Participants can use it for longer if they wish. Participants will keep a written daily log of their VR experience
All participants will be exposed to both VR experiences; however, the order of exposure will depend on whether participants are randomised to Group 1(A:B) or Group 2 (B:A). There will be a one-week washout period to minimise carry over effects between the two interventions. During the intervention weeks, participants will use the VR experience every day for a minimum of 10-minutes. Participants can use it for longer if they wish. Participants will keep a written daily log of their VR experience i.e. time of day, length of use and experience they visited. The study will be conducted in the participants home. Participants will be sent the study equipment, this includes the VR headset, headphones, user guide and logbook. 'Ripple' or Intervention A, includes three nature scenes from around New Zealand: 1) a beach in the Abel Tasman where the controller can write words in the sand; 2) a waterfall where the controller can stack stones; and 3) the Southern Alps where the controller can view different perspectives of the mountain top and lake. If participants are in Group one (A:B) they will use "Ripple" for week one; whereas group two (B:A) participants will use ripple in week three.
Sponsors
University of Auckland
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Crossover
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria are as follows: • Participant has a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. • Participants are 18 years and older. • Participants are physically able to wear and tolerate wearing the VR headset for a minimum of 10-minutes a day for 2-weeks. • Participants have experienced a symptom of fatigue, pain or anxiety in the past 7-days.
Exclusion criteria
Participants will be excluded if: • Participants have a visual, hearing, and or cognitive impairment that would limit; the ability to provide informed consent, answer questionnaires, follow written instructions and the use of virtual reality. • Participants cannot read, speak, or write in English.
Outcome results
None listed