Virtual Reality as a Method for Pain and Anxiety Control During First Trimester Procedural Abortion
Virtual Reality as an Adjunctive Agent for the Management of Pain and Anxiety During First Trimester Procedural Abortion: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Study Investigator
72 participants
May 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether use of a virtual reality (VR) headset showing a meditative nature video will help reduce pain and anxiety during a first trimester procedural abortion. Investigators will enroll 72 patients undergoing a first trimester procedural abortion with usual care to manage pain and anxiety compared to use of a VR headset in addition to usual care to see if use of the VR headset will decrease pain and anxiety and increase satisfaction with the procedure.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Patients at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania who have decided to undergo and are eligible for a procedural abortion.
- years old or older
- <14 weeks gestation on day of abortion
- Able to comprehend written English
- Willing to comply with the study protocol
- Willing and able to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria8
- History of vertigo
- History of epilepsy
- Claustrophobia
- Significant hearing or visual impairments (such as deafness or blindness)
- Require hearing aids
- Have an implanted medical device, such as cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator
- Require misoprostol for cervical preparation
- Prior unsuccessful attempt at abortion during this pregnancy
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Interventions
VR Headset: Meta Quest 3S Meditative nature videos provided via "Guided Meditation VR" app.
Usual care for pain and anxiety management during a first trimester procedural abortion includes oral ibuprofen, intracervical block, and verbal analgesia.
Locations(2)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07288047