Enhancing Patient Well-Being: Feasibility of Virtual Reality in Head and Neck Cancer Patients to Improve Depressive Symptomatology, Anxiety and Pain

Summary

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.

Description

Eligibility

Age range

18+ years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Interventions

• Other
  Interview

  Ancillary studies

• Other
  Medical Device Usage and Evaluation

  Wear a Fitbit

• Other
  Questionnaire Administration

  Ancillary studies

• Other
  Virtual Technology Intervention

  Receive 3D mindfulness VR headset

• Other
  Virtual Technology Intervention

  Receive 2D non-immersive VR headset

Location