Virtual reality guided mindfulness meditation for cancer-related pain
Summary
We are conducting a study to evaluate to what extent virtual reality guided meditation is acceptable and appealing to cancer patients and survivors. Some studies have found that meditation improves pain and quality of life. More research is needed to determine if meditation delivered through a virtual reality headset is helpful to improve persistent pain problems in people with cancer.
If you are eligible to take part in this study, you will be mailed a virtual reality headset which you will be asked to wear once daily for six weeks. The headset will give you an opportunity to experience different virtual environments for 15 to 30 minutes including nature scenes and sounds with meditation audio. We will also ask you to complete online questionnaires about your physical and mental wellbeing and maintain a daily log of your headset use. At the end of the program, we will ask to interview you over the phone about your experiences in this study. This study can be completed at home and does not involve in-person visits.
Eligibility
Eligible gender: Male, Female, Transgender, Other
Eligible ages: 18 to 100
Inclusion criteria:
We are looking for study participants who are:
1) 18 years of age or older
2) Diagnosed with cancer
3) Experiencing chronic pain due to cancer
Exclusion criteria:
You are not eligible to participate if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
1) currently a virtual reality user
2) receiving psychotherapy
3) receiving a non-pharmacologic treatment on a regular basis for your pain problems from a healthcare professional. Examples of non-pharmacologic treatments include massage therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
4) a diagnosis of dementia, intellectual disability, amnesia, schizophrenia, psychosis, or bipolar disorder
5) a history of seizures or epilepsy
6) severe vision or hearing problems
Participate
Fill out the following form if you want to participate in this research
Collection of personal information
Your personal information is collected under
the authority of section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If
you have any questions about the collection or use of this information, please visit our
Access to Information page.
Additional information
Contact information
Mohamad Baydoun (study coordinator) E-mail: Mohamad.baydoun @ucalgary.ca Telephone: 647-210-1986 Linda E. Carlson (principal investigator) E-mail: l.carlson@ucalgary.ca Telephone: 403-355-3207
Principal investigator:
Linda Ellen Carlson
Clinical trial:
Yes
REB-ID:
HREBA.CC-20-0411