Virtual Reality: An Affordable Pain Management Tool Integrative Medicine for the Underserved Conference Saturday August 26 th 2017 1
Motivation Source: https://nccih.nih.gov/news/press/08112015 2
Socioeconomics of Pain Inverse relationship between pain prevalence and socioeconomic status Figure source: http://www.ahdbonline.com/articles/2003-socioeconomic-burden-of-chronic-pain 3
We Need New Solutions Source: https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates 4
Such as Integrative Medicine The Simms/Mann Chronic Pain Program provides Integrative Medicine pain management for the underserved Allopathic Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine Chiropractic Yoga Therapy Source: http://www.simmsmanninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/venice-1-1.jpg 5
Proposition: Virtual Reality An additional treatment modality in the integrative medicine approach to pain management Combine new technology with ancient healing methods Source: http://medicalfuturist.com/5-ways-medical-vr-is-changing-healthcare/ 6
Outline Background: Virtual Reality for Pain Management Affordable Example Study at Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Center Challenges and Next Steps 7
Outline Background: Virtual Reality for Pain Management Affordable Example Study at Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Center Challenges and Next Steps 8
What is Virtual Realty (VR)? Source: http://www.myextralife.com/comic/virtual-reality-reality/ 9
VR can be a medical tool Source: http://medicalfuturist.com/5-ways-medical-vr-is-changing-healthcare/ 10
VR for PTSD Bravemind: Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy is a tool built at USC to help treat PTSD Source: https://tedxinnovations.ted.com/2015/01/21/spotlight-tedx-talk-how-virtual-reality-is-helping-soldiersrecover-from-war/ 11
VR for Chronic Pain I Study by Ted Jones et. al. found pain reduced from pre-session during the VR session by 60%. Hypothesis: Gate theory of attention Ted Jones, Todd Moore, James Choo, Masahiko Sumitani. (2016) The Impact of Virtual Reality on Chronic Pain. PLOS ONE11:12, e0167523. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0167523 12
VR for Chronic Pain II Study by Weina Jin et. al. put found significant reduction in pain intensity during the VR treatment as compared to control Jin, W., Choo, A., Gromala, D., Shaw, C., & Squire, P. (2016, April). A Virtual Reality Game for Chronic Pain Management: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Study. In MMVR (pp. 154-160). 13
But isn t all this expensive? Source: https://cdn.gamerant.com/wp-content/uploads/oculus-rift-too-expensive.jpg.optimal.jpg 14
Outline Background: Virtual Reality for Pain Management Affordable Example Study at Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Center Challenges and Next Steps 15
Outline Background: Virtual Reality for Pain Management Affordable Example: Smartphone VR Study at Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Center Challenges and Next Steps 16
Smartphones are ubiquitous 64% of those making less than $30k/year own a smartphone Source: http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheet/mobile/ 17
Smartphone Driven VR Headsets cost as little as $10 Compatible with smartphones Wide range of free apps provide entertainment, games, and therapeutic content Source: https://www.recode.net/2014/11/26/11633306/virtual-reality-on-smartphones-is-here-but-will-users-follow 18
Smartphone VR Demo Source: https://www.gearbrain.com/vr-apps-virtual-reality-meditation-yoga-mobile-headset-1873315555.html 19
Outline Background: Virtual Reality for Pain Management Affordable Example: Smartphone VR Study at Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Center Challenges and Next Steps 20
Pilot Study at the Clinic Pilot study to test the feasibility of smartphone VR as part of the VFC s pain management program We hypothesize VR experiences can provide a sense of escapism and tranquility beneficial for those experiencing chronic pain 21
Study Objectives Introduce VR as a potential treatment modality for IM chronic pain management Propose smartphone VR as an affordable platform Test the interest, acceptability, and accessibility of Smartphone VR in an underserved patient population Measure the effect of smartphone VR use on pain level 22
Study Design Visit 1 Provide interested and qualifying patients cardboard VR headsets Train patients to use smartphone VR Download free VR content on clinic wifi Measure pain level before and after use Send patient home with VR headset to record use Visit 2 Patient reports use between visits Measure pain level Patient keeps VR headset! Source: http://assessment-module.yale.edu/impalliative/visual-analogue-scale 23
[Placeholder for results/anecdotes] 24
Outline Background: Virtual Reality for Pain Management Affordable Example: Smartphone VR Study at Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Center Challenges and Next Steps 25
Challenges Language barrier Most content is built for English speakers Data and hardware costs There is a financial burden for continued use outside of the study Technology literacy VR tech is rapidly changing, requires updated training Ergonomics Headsets may be uncomfortable for those with certain types of pain 26
Next Steps Complete pilot study Develop a free smartphone VR app for chronic pain Continue to research and develop new treatment modalities to help the underserved manage their pain 27
We must use all tools at our disposal There is incredible potential in combining the newest technologies with ancient healing wisdom. Source: http://www.vancourier.com/entertainment/movies/werner-herzog-casts-wide-and-trippy-net-inexploring-digital-age-1.2316471 28
Acknowledgements Dr. Myles Spar, MD The Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Center Mark Gordon IM4US All the practitioners at the Chronic Pain Program 29
Relevant Financial Disclosures I have nothing to disclose 30
Thank you! Questions? 31