Enhancing Patient Well-Being: Feasibility of Virtual Reality in Head and Neck Cancer Patients to Improve Depressive Symptomatology, Anxiety and Pain
Enhancing Patient Well-Being: Feasibility of Virtual Reality in Head and Neck Cancer Patients to Improve Depressive Symptomatology, Anxiety and Pain
This clinical trial tests how well a three-dimensional (3D) mindfulness virtual reality (VR) versus (vs) two-dimensional (2D) non-immersive interventions works in improving depression, anxiety, pain, and/or stress in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiation or chemoradiation (C/RT), and their caregivers. HNC patients undergoing C/RT can experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, distress and pain that negatively impact their quality of life. VR allows for a realistic experience and works as an effective distraction tool from the state of pain or anxiety without use of drugs and with minimal associated risk to patients. VR has been shown to help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and pain in non-cancer patients, however there is limited evidence of how well VR use works in cancer patients, especially in patients undergoing C/RT for HNC. Caregivers of these patients also experience high levels of anxiety and distress. Using VR interventions may improve depression, anxiety, pain and/or stress in patients with HNC undergoing C/RT and their caregivers.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
I. Feasibility and acceptability of 3D mindfulness VR- vs 2D in HNC patients undergoing C/RT.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
I. Assess patient- and caregiver-preference for 3D VR and non-immersive interventions.
II. Preliminary efficacy in reduction in depressive symptoms, anxiety and pain.
OUTLINE: Participants are assigned to 1 of 2 arms.
ARM A: Participants receive 3D mindfulness VR headset consisting of 6 resilience skills training sessions over 30 minutes three times a week (TIW) for 6-7 weeks then weekly for 4 weeks. Participants also wear a Fitbit activity tracker to monitor heart rate, sleep and activity throughout the study.
ARM B: Participants receive 2D non-immersive VR headset consisting of 2 scenarios - walk in the nature and beach TIW for 6-7 weeks then weekly for 4 weeks. Participants also wear a Fitbit activity tracker to monitor heart rate, sleep and activity throughout the study.
Inclusion Criteria:
PATIENTS: Documented informed consent of the participant and/or legally authorized representative
PATIENTS: ≥ 18 years
PATIENTS: Self-reported normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
PATIENTS: Ambulatory (permitted to use walking aids such as cane or crutch)
PATIENTS: Ability to read and understand English for questionnaires
PATIENTS: Scheduled to undergo C/RT for their HNC
CAREGIVERS: Documented informed consent of the participant and/or legally authorized representative
CAREGIVERS: ≥ 18 years
CAREGIVERS: Self-reported normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
CAREGIVERS: Ability to read and understand English for questionnaires
CAREGIVERS: A care giver identified by the patient and defined as a person who knows the patient well and is involved in the patient's medical care
Exclusion Criteria: