NCT03353584 · St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Effect of Virtual Reality Technology for Pain Management of Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
What this study is about
Acute vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is the most common complication in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and pain related to VOC is often inadequately treated.
View original scientific description
Acute vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is the most common complication in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and pain related to VOC is often inadequately treated. This is a phase II randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of virtual reality technology when added to standard pain management for patients with sickle cell disease who are experiencing acute pain crisis in the ambulatory care setting. Patients will be randomized to receive either standard management only or standard management in addition to virtual reality therapy. The remainder of care for the painful event will continue per institutional standards according to clinical indication, including reassessment and documentation of pain and additional doses of pain medicines by intravenous (IV) or oral route. Pain scores and opioid requirement will be measured and compared across treatment arms, along with the outcomes of discharge from clinic versus admission to the inpatient unit. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) technology in reducing pain at 30 minutes after intervention during an acute vaso-occlusive crisis in patients with sickle cell disease. Primary endpoint will be change in pain scores in Standard versus VR arms, between the first pain assessment at the time of presentation and the subsequent pain assessments up to 30 minutes after intervention. Secondary Objectives: * To compare total opioid consumption from the time of presentation to the time of discharge from acute care setting in Standard versus VR arms. * To assess the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) technology in reducing pain at 60 minutes after the first IV medication administered or 60 minutes after completion VR during an acute vaso-occlusive crisis in patients with sickle cell disease.
Interventions
OTHER
Virtual Reality Therapy
The VR intervention consists of an interactive audio and visual underwater experience designed to serve as a calming distraction activity. The VR software (Kind VR® Aqua) was developed by KindVR specifically for the purpose of pain distraction in a hospital setting.
Primary outcome measures
Change in pain scores
Time frame: Baseline and up to 30 minutes after intervention
The highest pain score based on all scores at different body pain locations is used as the pain score. The changes in pain scores in two arms between baseline and 30 minutes post study intervention will be summarized and compared using Wilcoxon rank sum test at a significance level of 0.1.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participant must have sickle cell disease (any genotype), documented in the St. Jude medical record.
- Participant must be seeking care for acute VOC pain at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
- Participant age must be ≥ 6 years and ≤ 25 years.
- English speaking
Exclusion criteria
- Prior randomization in this study.
- Patients are currently enrolled on another pain management interventional trial for the presenting pain crisis.
- Mild pain (score \<4), or pain for which treatment with opioid is not indicated.
- Pain in combination with other clinical symptoms that require additional interventions, including fever with focus, acute chest syndrome, acute injury, or splenic sequestration.
- Developmental or psychiatric disorders like autism, claustrophobia or other disabilities like vision and hearing defects etc. that preclude the use of a head mounted device.
- Inability or unwillingness of research participant or legal guardian/ representative to give written informed consent.
Where
- Memphis, Tennessee
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations