Virtual Reality as a Tool to Reduce Pre-procedure Anxiety Prior ECT Via Enhancing Patient Education (PERFECT-VR)

NCT04291196 NA ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Lack of patient knowledge about ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) is a leading cause of treatment fear with 60% of ECT patients reporting high levels of anxiety. The purpose of this study is to determine if using Virtual Reality (VR) to allow patients' to experience a virtual ECT education session before treatment is useful in lowering treatment anxiety and increasing knowledge about ECT if compared to standard treatment. In addition, measuring heart rate and blood pressure levels before ECT treatment will allow us to assess changes in anxiety levels. Individuals who choose to participate will be placed (participant will have a 50% chance to be placed in either group) to view either a virtual reality video to experience a virtual ECT session, or to receive standard preparation, i.e. a discussion with a psychiatrist. Before and after this session participants will be asked to complete a measurement of their anxiety level and knowledge about ECT (ECT Attitude \& Knowledge Questionnaire). Just before ECT treatment, blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety level will be measured. Participants will also complete cognitive and depression assessments. This study will help to develop a relationship between healthcare providers and patients and their families to help with education before ECT treatment.

Details

Lead sponsor	Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Phase	NA
Status	ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Enrolment	64
Start date	2020-11-27
Completion	2026-06

Conditions

• ECT
• Electroconvulsive Therapy
• Virtual Reality
• Anxiety
• Education
• Hemodynamics
• Depression
• Cognition
• Mental Health

Interventions

• VR-ECT 360o Video
• Standard Treatment

Primary outcomes

• Change in Pre-operative Anxiety — Measurement completed 1) up to 2-3 days before ECT education 2) right after ECT education 3) prior to ECT (day of proceudre)
  Change in pre-operative anxiety will be assessed using the Visual Anxiety Scale (VAS, Not at all anxious to extremely anxious).
• Change in ECT Knowledge — Measurement completed 1) Immediately Before ECT education 2) Immediately After ECT education 3) Immediately Prior to ECT
  Change in ECT knowledge will be assessed using the ECT Attitude \& Knowledge Questionnaire.
• Heart rate — Measurement completed prior to ECT session on the day of procedure.
  Heart rate will be measured in beats/min
• Mean arterial blood pressure — Measurement completed prior to ECT session on the day of procedure.
  Mean arterial blood pressure will be measured in mmHg.

Countries

Canada