By InvitationNot Applicable

Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Education on Pre-treatment Anxiety, Post-treatment Experience, and Satisfaction Among Adult Patients Diagnosed With Cancer Receiving External Beam Radiotherapy in Oman

Oman122 participantsStarted 2026-02-09

Plain-language summary

Introduction: External Beam Radiotherapy is a common strategy used in the treatment of various cancers, and the patient undergoing treatment using this strategy many times experiences anxiety and stress. While patient education is essential for anxiety management, traditional methods may not adequately address the complex needs of patients in Oman, where no standardized pre-treatment education protocols exist. Virtual Reality (VR) technology offers promising potential for enhancing patient education and reducing anxiety. Purpose/Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-based education in reducing anxiety levels, improving treatment experience, and increasing satisfaction among adult patients with cancer receiving external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in Oman. Research Design: A randomized control trial will be conducted with 122 patients undergoing external beam radiotherapy from SQCCCRC (Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care \& Research Center) and the National Oncology Center (NOC) in Royal Hospital. These patients will be randomly allocated to either the intervention group (VR-based education) or the control group (standard education). The intervention group will view an educational VR video via immersive headsets, while the control group will receive standard care. Study Instruments: Anxiety levels will be measured using the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI), the Radiotherapy Experience Questionnaire (RTEQ) will be used to measure treatment experience, and the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) will be used to measure patient satisfaction. Plan for Data Analysis: The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 will be used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics in terms of mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages will be used to summarize patient characteristics. Paired t-tests will be used to compare pre- and post-intervention anxiety levels within each group. Independent t-tests will be used to assess differences between the intervention and control groups. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) will be used to control confounding variables such as age, education level, and baseline anxiety scores. Expected Outcomes: The researcher predicts that VR education will lower anxiety levels while delivering better patient experiences and higher satisfaction than traditional education methods. Current study findings will guide patient education protocol development and help to establish standardized pre-radiotherapy education guideline standards in Oman

Who can participate

Age range

18 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 patients aged 18 years or above * Willing to participate * Provide informed consent * Scheduled for their first external beam radiotherapy treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Pediatric cancer patients * Scheduled for head \& neck external beam radiotherapy * Previously underwent radiotherapy treatment * Have severe visual or hearing difficulties * Require emergency radiotherapy treatment * Have a history of psychiatric illness * Require ICU admission * Experience severe motion sickness or vertigo * Unable to tolerate the VR headset

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

Anxiety

Timeframe: Up to 7 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07754864

SponsorOman Ministry of Health

Sponsor typeOTHER_GOV

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-08

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