Virtual Reality for pain relief during intrauterine device insertion

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that uses a headset to create a 3-dimensional interactive environment for the user. The user is therefore distracted from the real-world environment where the procedure is being done. It has been shown to be helpful for improving pain in other settings, for example burn victims. This research project aims to find whether VR can help reduce the discomfort of having an IUD inserted in the outpatient clinic setting. It also aims to discover whether it can help patients who feel anxious, and overall make it easier for the clinician to insert the IUD. Screening will occur in the Gynaecology outpatient clinic setting. Patients who are having IUD insertion in the clinic setting will be identified and approached for consent. Participants will be randomised to intervention and control groups. A researcher will give the patients in the intervention group a Smileyscope Pty Ltd. headset to deliver the VR experience. The headset will be worn and used for the duration of the IUD insertion procedure, which will last for approximately 5-10 minutes. It is the only addition to the standard care given. The headset will display a 4 minute proprietary virtual reality relaxation video displaying nature content. The control group will receive standard care. Study participants and the doctors inserting the IUD will answer questions about the procedure to help answer our questions about the usefulness of VR in this setting. If the VR intervention is discontinued during the IUD insertion procedure, this information, the reason and any adverse effects suffered will also be recorded.