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Virtual Reality for Pain and Anxiety During First Trimester Abortion

This study is looking at whether using a virtual reality (VR) headset can help reduce pain and anxiety during a first trimester procedural abortion. Researchers will compare patients who receive usual care (like ibuprofen, a numbing shot in the cervix, and verbal reassurance) with those who receive usual care plus a VR headset showing meditative nature videos. The goal is to see if the VR headset can lower pain and anxiety scores and make patients more satisfied with their care. You might be able to join if you are a woman aged 18 or older, are having a first trimester procedural abortion, are less than 14 weeks pregnant, and can understand written English. The study aims to enroll 72 participants.

Study design
This study will involve 72 participants and compares two groups: one receiving usual care and another receiving usual care plus a VR headset. It is a randomized controlled trial, meaning participants are assigned to a group by chance.
What's involved
You would complete surveys before, after, and one week following the procedure to assess your pain, anxiety, and overall satisfaction.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for one week after the procedure.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07288047

Virtual Reality as a Method for Pain and Anxiety Control During First Trimester Procedural Abortion

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalSupportive care
Study Investigator
~72 participants
Updated 2026-05-06 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:VR headsetUsual Care

At a glance

Recruiting sites
2 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Pain scores during a first trimester procedural abortion
Measured over Day of enrollment: immediately preprocedure and 15 minutes postprocedure.
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Abortion, First Trimester
Pain Management
Pain After Surgery
Satisfaction
Satisfaction With Care
Anxiety After Surgery

Explore related trials

Abortion Finding

Where it's being run

2 sites across 1 states
Pennsylvania2

Study leadership

  • Study Coordinator · STUDY_DIRECTOR · Univeristy of Pittsburgh

Who to contact

Study Coordinator
[email protected]
412-641-5496
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Patients at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania who have decided to undergo and are eligible for a procedural abortion.
18 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

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

What this trial measures

  • Pain scores during a first trimester procedural abortionDay of enrollment: immediately preprocedure and 15 minutes postprocedure.

    Pain will be measured on a visual analogue scale during and after the procedural abortion via a REDCap survey. The scale is from 0-100, with 0 being "No pain" and 100 being the "Worst pain of my life". The difference in this score (post-procedure minus pre-procedure) is what will be compared between study arms.

  • Anxiety scores during a first trimester procedural abortionDay of enrollment: immediately preprocedure and 15 minutes postprocedure.

    Anxiety will be measured on a visual analogue scale during and after the procedural abortion via a REDCap survey. The scale is from 0-100, with 0 being "No anxiety or fear" and 100 being the "Worst anxiety or fear of my life". The difference in this score (post-procedure minus pre-procedure) is what will be compared between study arms.