Virtual Reality for SCD VOC (NCT07674277) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Virtual Reality for SCD VOC
United States25 participantsStarted 2026-08-01
Plain-language summary
This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary analgesic effect of headset-based virtual reality interventions for adults with sickle cell disease experiencing vaso-occlusive crisis treated in an infusion center. Participants will be enrolled during routine outpatient sickle cell clinic visits and may receive study interventions during future qualifying infusion center visits for vaso-occlusive pain. Using a randomized, two-period crossover design, each participant will be assigned to receive two of three headset-based conditions across separate visits: sham 2D headset control, passive immersive 3D virtual reality, or active immersive interactive 3D virtual reality. The primary outcome is pain burden during the first 60 minutes after intervention start, measured as area under the curve of 0-10 numeric rating scale pain scores. Secondary outcomes include feasibility of intervention delivery, headset tolerability, pain at 120 minutes, opioid use, and participant-reported immersion and acceptability.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 89 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adult (age ≥ 18 years) patients
* History of sickle cell disease
* Treatment plan by clinical care team includes the use of intravenous opioids to -treat acute pain.
* Receiving treatment from the Stoler Infusion center
Exclusion Criteria:
* Prior enrollment in this study
* Presenting with a chief complaint suggestive of a complicated crisis (such as concern for acute chest syndrome, splenic sequestration, hepatic sequestration, pulmonary embolism) as determined by the clinical care provider
* Not being treated with intravenous opioids for the vaso-occlusive crisis
* Patients who lack the capacity to provide informed consent
* Medical history of seizures or known intolerance to virtual reality devices
* In the opinion of the investigator and based on chart review and direct questioning of the patient, there are preexisting disabilities like vision and hearing defects that preclude the use of a head mounted virtual reality device.
* Known to be pregnant
* Incarcerated at the time of evaluation
* Over the age of 89 years old
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Pain burden during the first 60 minutes after intervention start