Virtual Reality to Decrease Pain, Anxiety and Confusion After Surgery

Investigating Virtual Reality for Post-Surgery Recovery

Primary Investigator
B
Babar Khan, MD

Primary Investigator

Enrolling By Invitation
18 years - 100 years
All
20 participants needed
2 Locations

Brief description of study

We propose a a prospective study with participants receiving personalized relaxing nature virtual reality (VR) intervention through a VR headset. Our goal is to test the feasibility, acceptability, tolerability and initial clinical efficacy of virtual reality intervention in reducing pain, anxiety, stress and delirium in patients after non major thoracic surgery. Patients will be prepared by trying the VR headset, optics (the headsets are designed to be worn over their glasses if needed) and fit adjusted make sure it is comfortable. Baseline assessment of pain, anxiety and delirium will be performed.

THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - Patients scheduled for surgery will be evaluated for entry into the study through chart review.  Eligible individuals and/or their legal representative will be approached for informed consent before their surgery in the preoperative clinic. 

Detailed description of study

Participants will try on the virtual reality headset during their pre-operative visit. They will also have blood drawn and answer questions to determine their level of anxiety, pain, and confusion. 

  • The day after surgery, participants will experience relaxing content through the virtual reality headset for 5-15 minutes. Blood will be drawn, and participants will answer simple questions.
  • Participants will continue virtual reality sessions for 5-15 minutes per day for up to 7 days during their hospital stay.
  • Blood will be drawn during their last session, and they will complete a short survey after their last virtual reality session.
  • Research staff will review the participant's medical records for information regarding vital signs, lab values, major events, x-ray and other radiology results, medications and doses. 

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Lung disease, Esophageal disease, Airway disease, Non-cardiac thoracic surgery
  • Age: 18 years - 100 years
  • Gender: All

Inclusion criteria:

  • Adults at least 18 years of age scheduled for a non-cardiac thoracic surgery.

Exclusion criteria:

  • Individuals with a history of schizophrenia, severe dementia, traumatic brain injury, uncorrected hearing/vision impairments, or aphasic stroke will not be eligible.
  • Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a disease affecting equilibrium, or persistent coma will not be eligible.  

 

This study investigates the use of virtual reality (VR) to reduce pain, anxiety, stress, and confusion after non-major thoracic surgery. The purpose of this study is to test if using a VR headset with relaxing nature scenes can help patients feel better after surgery. Participants will wear VR headsets that can fit over glasses and will be assessed for pain, anxiety, and confusion before they start the VR sessions.

Participants will try the VR headset during a pre-operative visit and will have blood drawn and answer questions about their anxiety, pain, and confusion levels. After surgery, they will use the VR headset for 5-15 minutes daily for up to 7 days. Blood samples will be taken, and surveys will be completed to monitor their progress. Medical records will be reviewed by research staff to gather additional health information.

  • Who can participate: Adults aged 18 and older scheduled for non-cardiac thoracic surgery can participate. Individuals with certain conditions like schizophrenia, severe dementia, or traumatic brain injury are not eligible. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a disease affecting equilibrium, or persistent coma are also excluded.
  • Study details: Participants will wear a virtual reality headset and watch relaxing scenes for short periods each day. They will also have blood tests and answer questions about their feelings. Research staff will check their medical records for additional information.
Updated on 07 Aug 2026. Study ID: 2001647258
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Interested in the study?

This study is accepting only persons who receive care at a certain clinic or doctor or who are part of an invited group. Questions about this study can be directed to the study team listed in the description or contact your doctor to see if you are eligible.

Accepting Referrals by Invitation Only