Exploring Virtual Reality Mindfulness Training for Veterans With SCI and Chronic Pain
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
This study involves delivering a mindfulness program that was developed for Veterans called VA Compassionate Awareness Learning Module (VA CALM) to Veterans with spinal cord injuries (SCI) to develop accommodations to make the VA CALM program more accessible for those with SCI. It will involve delivering the unmodified curriculum to a group of Veterans with SCI first to determine what areas need accommodations, working with a group of stakeholders to develop appropriate accommodations, and then delivering 1-2 modified modules via virtual reality to evaluate whether using virtual reality was feasible and acceptable for this program.
Description
The objectives of this study are to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a spinal cord injury (SCI) tailored, evidence-based mindfulness group known as VA Compassionate Awareness Learning Module (VA CALM) when delivered via virtual reality (VR) The project will first assess modification needs for SCI and then explore the feasibility and acceptability of delivering VA CALM-SCI over VR. The long-term goals and significance of this study include studying the efficacy of VA CALM-SCI for the treatment of chronic pain and examining the comparative effectiveness between VR and video teleheal…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran * Diagnosis of spinal cord injury with incomplete or complete tetraplegia based on AIS score OR incomplete or complete paraplegia based on AIS score. * Endorses chronic pain lasting 3 months; * age 18+ years * Access to high-speed internet * Endorse being (at least) minimally proficient on the computer (eg, able to check emails, read the news, etc.); be able, either independently or with caregiver support, to get online for virtual meetings and don/doff VR equipment * Able to speak clearly and independently to participate in focus group interviews. Exclusion Cri…
Interventions
- BehavioralVA Compassionate Awareness Learning Module (VA CALM) a mindfulness curriculum.
VA CALM is a 9 week mindfulness curriculum typically delivered at a once/week module pace in group settings during sessions that last approximately 60-90 minutes. Module topics include: Program Introduction, Why mindfulness, Perception, What Makes Something a Pleasant Experience?, Being Stuck, Getting Unstuck, Communication, Mindfulness in Daily Life, and Today is the First Dat of the Rest of Your Life.
Location
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TXHouston, Texas