๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-06-23

Virtual Reality for SCD VOC (NCT07674277)

Randomized EvaLuation of ImmErsive Virtual Experiences in Sickle Cell Disease (RELIEVE-SCD)

๐ŸŸก Not Yet Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic โš™๏ธ Medical Device Protocol Sponsor: University of Maryland, Baltimore

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary analgesic effect of headset-based virtual reality interventions for adults with sickle cell disease experiencing vaso-occlusive crisis treated in an infusion center. Participants will be enrolled during routine outpatient sickle cell clinic visits and may receive study interventions during future qualifying infusion center visits for vaso-occlusive pain. Using a randomized, two-period crossover design, each participant will be assigned to receive two of three headset-based conditions across separate visits: sham 2D headset control, passive immersive 3D virtual reality, or active immersive interactive 3D virtual reality. The primary outcome is pain burden during the first 60 minutes after intervention start, measured as area under the curve of 0-10 numeric rating scale pain scores. Secondary outcomes include feasibility of intervention delivery, headset tolerability, pain at 120 minutes, opioid use, and participant-reported immersion and acceptability.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: University of Maryland Medical Center, Stoler Infusion Center โ€” Baltimore, Maryland

Age range: 18 Years to 89 Years

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • University of Maryland Medical Center, Stoler Infusion Center โ€” Baltimore, Maryland

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (254) 400-4894

Email: Soowon.Lee@som.umaryland.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—