This study will test whether immersive virtual reality (iVR) can reduce pain and discomfort during wound care for residents living in long-term care (LTC). Pressure ulcers are common and painful among older adults, and dressing changes often cause additional distress.
Up to 20 residents at the Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre will use virtual reality headsets during routine wound care. The headsets display calm, low-stimulus scenes (e.g., puppies in a meadow) designed to distract and comfort participants.
Each participant will take part for six weeks in three phases:
* Two weeks of usual wound care (baseline) * Two weeks using virtual reality during wound care (intervention) * Two weeks of usual care again (washout)
Pain will be assessed using validated tools, and the research team will also observe agitation, mood, and other behavioral indicators. Nursing staff will provide feedback on feasibility and acceptability of iVR use in LTC settings.
Resident of LTC for ≥2 weeks
Receiving regular wound care for pressure ulcers
Able to tolerate iVR headset use
(If cognitively apt) able to understand English or French
Blindness, severe cataracts, or glaucoma
Allergies to synthetic plastics or headset materials
Head or ear wounds preventing headset placement
Peripheral neuropathy
McGill University
Lead sponsor
Lady Davis Institute
Collaborator