Virtual Reality pain psychology therapy as non-pharmacological analgesia for pain experienced in chest trauma patients (The VIPER-T study)

VR-delivered pain psychology therapy A new VR software program was created that incorporated the following three pain psychological modules: (1) Patient education on the nature and type of pain, and methods to control pain; (2) Teaching progressive muscle relaxation as a form of arousal reduction therapy; and (3) Guided pain visualisation technique to reduce pain catastrophising and to reduce maladaptive responses to pain These modules are selected by patients using their hand-motion controllers. Patients can advance, stop, or rewind the therapy. An electronic representation of a therapist (“avatar”) is projected through the VR gogglesthat will speak with the patient. Patients are required to be active participants, interacting with the avatar by choosing their therapy options in real time. The VR set up includes an Oculus Rift S goggle and a HP Omen gaming laptop. The Oculus Rift S goggle goes over the patient's head and has adjustable head straps for a comfortable fit. There are 2 wireless controllers with wrist straps for security The interaction between patient and VR-pain control therapy does not require external intervention from a psychologist. However, the view experienced by the patient is projected onto an external TV. This will be monitored by a researcher, who can intervene if necessary. Research team contact will occur on Day 1 of admission, after the patient has been seen and management initiated by the trauma and acute pain teams. The patient will be seen for the next 3 days of their admission. On each day, VR will be provided to patients and data collected for acceptability and effectiveness. A total of 3 consecutive daily sessions will be provided to each patient enrolled in the intervention arm. Each session will last for a maximum of 30 minutes, as timed by a researcher. The VR sessions will occur at the patient’s bedside. Researchers will wheel a cart with the VR equipment to each patient in the ward.