The Virtual Mind Study: Virtual Reality (VR) Guided Mindfulness for Chronic Pain in Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Single-group Feasibility Trial (Preprint)

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic cancer-related pain (CRP) has a significant negative impact on quality of life. Mindfulness is hypothesized to mitigate chronic CRP by regulating both physical and emotional resistance to pain. In recent years, there has been an interest in the use of virtual reality (VR) to deliver mindfulness meditation. Virtual reality provides an immersive and engaging environment which may enhance one’s focused attention to present moment experiences, potentially making mindfulness less effortful and more efficacious for individuals with chronic pain. There has been little research in this area for people with a history of cancer. The aim of this mixed-methods study is to evaluate the feasibility of a virtual reality guided mindfulness (VRGM) intervention offered to adult cancer survivors with chronic CRP. Methods and analysis: This mixed-methods feasibility study will employ a single-arm, pretest–posttest design with semi-structured interviews. Fifteen cancer survivors will be enrolled in a 6-week, home-based intervention that consists of 10-15 minutes of daily VRGM practice. The primary outcome is feasibility as assessed by accrual rates, retention in the study, intervention adherence, questionnaire completion and side-effect rates. Participants will be assessed on psychosocial outcome measures (i.e., pain, sleep, depressive and anxiety symptoms, fatigue, quality of life, mindfulness) before and after the intervention, and 6 weeks post-intervention (follow-up). Factors with possible moderation or mediation effects (i.e., levels of immersion and presence in the virtual environment, trait mindfulness, amount of VRGM practice) will be assessed in relation to changes in pain. Qualitative information will provide subjective detail on participants’ experience with VRGM to complement quantitative data. Ethics and dissemination: This study has been approved by the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta Cancer Committee [HREBA.CC-20-0411]. Study findings will be disseminated through open access publications, traditional conference presentations, professional cancer organizations, and social media platforms.