Virtual Reality for Pain Management in Burn Patients

This study is exploring if Virtual Reality (VR) can help manage pain for burn patients at New York Presbyterian Burn Unit. Researchers are comparing VR, used as a distraction during painful procedures, against the standard pain care (which includes opioids). The study aims to see if VR can reduce pain and potentially impact the amount of narcotic medication needed. You might be able to join if you are 8 years or older, have a burn injury affecting less than 15% of your body, are awake and alert, and can give your consent. The study plans to enroll 50 participants.

Study design
This is a randomized study comparing Virtual Reality plus standard care to standard care alone. It plans to enroll 50 participants.
What's involved
Participants in the VR group will play an immersive game during painful procedures like wound dressing changes or physical therapy. Pain and narcotic dose will be measured from 30 minutes before to two hours after the painful event.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Pain and narcotic dose will be measured for a short period, from 30 minutes before to two hours after the painful event.

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NCT04685486

Virtual Reality for Pain Management in Burn Patients

Recruiting
NAAges 8+InterventionalTreatment
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
~50 participants
Updated 2026-06-17 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Virtual Reality

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Pain
Measured over Peri-procedural: 30 minutes before to two hours after the painful event.
+1 more outcome measured
Pain
1 sites across 1 states
New York1
  • JoAnn Difede, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Weill Medical College of Cornell University

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

8 years and older
Patients with a burn injury and is in the Burn Unit at New York Presbyterian
Awake, alert, ambulatory
The burn comprises less than 15% total body surface area (TBSA)
The patient does not require conscious sedation such as ketamine for staple removal or wound dressing changes
The patient is able to give informed consent

Exclusion

Diagnosis of a cognitive disorder, psychotic disorder or bipolar I as determined by self-report from previous diagnosis
Current opioid abuse
  • Change in PainPeri-procedural: 30 minutes before to two hours after the painful event.

    Initial determination of the clinical efficacy of VR in reducing the total pain (determined by the subjective standard 0-10 pain scale) where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst pain.

  • Change in narcotic dosePeri-procedural: 30 minutes before to two hours after the painful event.

    Dose of narcotics needed peri-procedure