Virtual Reality-Guided Imagery in Hemodialysis Patients ( VRGI-HD )

NCT07867444 | Not Yet Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: IUN-CMT-DHD-VRGI-2026
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 80
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of virtual reality guided imagery on selected health outcomes among adult patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either a virtual reality-guided imagery intervention group or a routine-care control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive virtual reality guided imagery during hemodialysis sessions using a virtual reality headset and standardized guided imagery content, while the control group will receive routine care. The study will assess whether virtual reality-guided imagery can improve the selected outcomes among patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Conditions

End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD)

Keywords

Pain; Anxaiety; VRGI; Fatigue

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Pain intensity

  Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.

  Immediately before and immediately after the hemodialysis session/intervention

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Anxiety

  Immediately before and immediately after the hemodialysis session/intervention

• Fatigue

  Immediately before and immediately after the hemodialysis session/intervention.

Study Arms (2)

Arm 1 VRGI

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants assigned to this group will receive standardized virtual reality-guided imagery (VRGI) during a hemodialysis session in addition to routine care. The intervention will be delivered using a virtual reality headset and standardized guided imagery content designed to provide a relaxing and immersive experience during hemodialysis.

Behavioral: virtual reality-guided imagery (VRGI)

Arm 2 Routine care

NO INTERVENTION

Participants assigned to this group will receive routine hemodialysis care according to the usual clinical practice of the dialysis unit without the virtual reality guided imagery intervention

Interventions

virtual reality-guided imagery (VRGI) BEHAVIORAL

Virtual reality-guided imagery (VRGI) is a non pharmacological behavioral intervention delivered during a hemodialysis session using a virtual reality headset. Participants will experience standardized immersive visual content accompanied by guided imagery audio designed to promote relaxation and provide distraction from the hemodialysis environment. The intervention will be delivered in a standardized manner in addition to routine hemodialysis care.

Also known as: VRGI

Arm 1 VRGI

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Patients aged ≥18 years.
• Diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and receiving maintenance hemodialysis.
• Undergoing hemodialysis three times per week. Receiving maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 months before enrollment.
• Able to communicate verbally and understand Arabic.
• Conscious, alert, and able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
• Able to safely use a VR headset and tolerate the VRGI intervention.
• Agree to participate in the study and comply with the study procedures .

You may not qualify if:

• Patients with cognitive impairment or altered mental status that may interfere with understanding the intervention or completing the assessment.
• Patients with severe visual or auditory impairment that prevents effective use of the VR intervention.
• Patients with a history of severe motion sickness, vestibular disorders, or significant intolerance to VR.
• Patients who are hemodynamically unstable during the dialysis session.
• Patients experiencing an acute medical complication requiring interruption or modification of the dialysis session.
• Patients who have participated in a similar VR intervention recently, if this could influence the study outcomes.
• Patients who are unable to complete the intervention or outcome assessments.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Islamic University of Najaf: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Kidney Failure, Chronic; Pain; Fatigue

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Renal Insufficiency; Kidney Diseases; Urologic Diseases; Female Urogenital Diseases; Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications; Urogenital Diseases; Male Urogenital Diseases; Chronic Disease; Disease Attributes; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms

Central Study Contacts

Thulfiqar Mohammed Abdalhussien, PhD candidate

CONTACT

07831476489; thulfiqar.abd2402p@conursing.uobaghdad.edu.iq

Ameer Wahhed Mohammed, PhD candidate

CONTACT

07800526273

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: PhD Candidate

Model Details: Parallel Assignment Participants will be randomly assigned to either the virtual reality-guided imagery intervention group or the routine-care control group. Each participant will remain in the assigned group throughout the study.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: October 1, 2026
• First Posted: October 9, 2026
• Study Start (Estimated): January 1, 2027
• Primary Completion (Estimated): March 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): April 1, 2027
• Last Updated: October 9, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-10

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share