Virtual Reality as a Method for Pain and Anxiety Control During First Trimester Procedural Abortion

While procedural abortions are common outpatient procedures, providing optimal pain and anxiety relief during these procedures is challenging. With rapidly developing technological advances, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising modality to help manage pain and anxiety control in the medical field, including obstetrics and gynecology. However, there are no studies evaluating the effect of VR on pain during a procedural abortion.

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to primarily evaluate whether using a VR headset to display a meditative nature video as a noninvasive, low risk technology may reduce pain and anxiety for patients undergoing a first trimester procedural abortion in an outpatient setting. Investigators will also evaluate factors influencing satisfaction with the procedure. Investigators will compare use of the VR headset with usual care, to usual care only; for a first trimester procedural abortion, usual care includes oral pain medications, local anesthetic medication in the cervix, and verbal reassurance. Participants will be asked to complete a survey before, after, and one week following the procedure to assess pain, anxiety, and overall satisfaction.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania who have decided to undergo and are eligible for a procedural abortion.
• 18 years old or older
• <14 weeks gestation on day of abortion
• Able to comprehend written English
• Willing to comply with the study protocol
• Willing and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• History of vertigo
• History of epilepsy
• Claustrophobia
• Significant hearing or visual impairments (such as deafness or blindness)
• Require hearing aids
• Have an implanted medical device, such as cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator
• Require misoprostol for cervical preparation
• Prior unsuccessful attempt at abortion during this pregnancy