Clinical Impact and Feasibility of Virtual Reality (VR) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing VR Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Sham VR

Summary

This project aims to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the clinical impact and feasibility of a virtual reality (VR) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program (IBS/VR) compared to sham VR for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

What they want

The project involves testing a self-administered, home-based 8-week VR CBT program (IBS/VR) that guides patients through psychoeducation, relaxation strategies, cognitive restructuring, problem-solving skills, and exposure techniques. The pilot RCT will assess the program's impact on IBS symptoms and its feasibility among patients, building on prior development and qualitative validation testing.

Deliverables

Preliminary data assessing the clinical impact of an 8-week VR CBT program (IBS/VR) on IBS symptoms vs. sham VR control
Establishment of the feasibility of using an 8-week VR CBT program (IBS/VR) among patients with IBS
Critical information to optimize the VR CBT program and implementation efforts in clinical workflows

Technical requirements

Virtual Reality (VR) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program
Self-administered, home-based VR program

Key personnel

CBT psychologist
Gastroenterologist with IBS expertise
Psychiatrist
Biomedical visualization specialist
VR programmer
Human-centered design expert
Digital health researchers