Virtual reality–guided mindfulness for chronic pain in cancer survivors: protocol for the virtual mind study—a single-group feasibility trial
Frontiers in Pain Research April 4, 2024 Mohamad Baydoun, Zen Gajtani, Michaela Patton et al.
This mixed methods feasibility study will enroll 15 adult cancer survivors with chronic cancer-related pain in a 6-week home-based virtual reality-guided mindfulness (VRGM) intervention of 10–15 minutes daily practice. The primary outcome is feasibility measured by accrual, retention, adherence, questionnaire completion, and side effects. Secondary psychosocial outcomes include pain, sleep, depressive and anxiety symptoms, fatigue, quality of life, and mindfulness, assessed before, after, and at 6-week follow-up. Qualitative interviews will explore participant experience. The authors propose VRGM as a potential alternative to pharmacological pain management, with results intended to inform future larger trials.