VR escapes tested for dying Patients' anxiety

NCT ID NCT05466123

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Symptom relief Sponsor: Mayo Clinic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 08, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This Mayo Clinic study tests whether virtual reality (VR) can reduce anxiety, depression, and emotional distress in people receiving palliative care. Twenty terminally ill patients with a year or less to live will use VR to visit simulated travel destinations or activities they can no longer access. The study measures changes in anxiety and distress using standard questionnaires.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Virtual reality (simulated travel or activities)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to ease anxiety and emotional distress for people receiving palliative care.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study with only 20 people, so results may not apply broadly. The effect may be small or temporary.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Mayo Clinic Florida

    Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States

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