MedPath

Digital Intervention Postoperative Protocol

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Surgery
Otolaryngologic Disorder
Pain, Postoperative
Interventions
Device: Virtual Reality
Device: Fitbit
Registration Number
NCT04828109
Lead Sponsor
Oregon Health and Science University
Brief Summary

Postoperative recovery after head and neck surgery is complex, and often requires utilization of narcotic medications. The aim of this study is to evaluate reduction in pain and use of opioid medications through Virtual Reality (VR) and Fitbit wearable activity devices.

Detailed Description

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols were introduced as a method to optimize perioperative patient care. Narcotic medications are frequently utilized in postoperative care, but these have risks including sedation or dependence. Non-pharmacologic measures for postoperative pain control may help limit the need for opioids in postoperative pain control.

Early mobilization is also important after surgery, however postoperative mobility is rarely monitored and relies on subjective reports.

The investigators will seek to examine the implementation of an ERAS protocol using VR and Fitbit wearable activity devices on postoperative recovery after head and neck surgery. This is a prospective, 4-arm, randomized controlled trial.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
80
Inclusion Criteria
  • English speaking
  • 18 to 89 years of age.
  • Planned to undergo major head and neck surgery OHSU with an expected length of stay of two days or more.
  • Ability to understand goals of the study and willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Planned postoperative admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).
  • Social or psychiatric conditions that may interfere with compliance.
  • Isolation precautions.
  • Reconstruction, incisions, wounds, wound care, or injury that impact the ability to place on the VR headset or wear a Fitbit device around the wrist.
  • History of seizure or epilepsy.
  • History of vertigo or persistent dizziness.
  • Limitations that impair mobility.
  • Use of a walker or wheelchair at baseline.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
VR and FitbitFitbitDaily VR use every 3 hours up to 30 minutes at a time and Fitbit daily step goal of 2,000 steps
Fitbit OnlyFitbitFitbit daily step goal of 2,000 steps.
VR and FitbitVirtual RealityDaily VR use every 3 hours up to 30 minutes at a time and Fitbit daily step goal of 2,000 steps
VR OnlyVirtual RealityDaily VR only. Daily VR use every 3 hours up to 30 minutes at a time.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Mean daily opioid usethrough study completion, an average of 10 days

Mean daily opioid use will be assessed converted into milligram morphine equivalents (MME).

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
DepressionBefore surgery and at study completion, an average of 10 days

The Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) will be used to determine preoperative and postoperative level of depression. PHQ-9 scores can represent mild (\<4), moderate (5-14), and severe (\>20) depression.

Pain scoresthrough study completion, an average of 10 days

The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) from 0 to 10 will be used to determine pain scores collected in the morning and evening each day. Scores will be averaged to obtain the daily pain score. We will also look at differences between AM and PM pain scores among the different cohorts. Scores will range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain)

Length of hospital stayat study completion, an average of 10 days

Length of stay will be calculated beginning from postoperative day one and will include the day of discharge.

AnxietyBefore surgery and at study completion, an average of 10 days

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item scale (GAD-7) will be used to determine preoperative and postoperative level of anxiety. Cut points of 5, 10, and 15 may represent mild, moderate, and severe levels of anxiety.

Patient experience and satisfactionat study completion, an average of 10 days

A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) will used to analyze patient satisfaction during hospitalization, and will be provided to patients on day of discharge. The VAS is a horizontal line that is 100-mm long, with no satisfaction (0) on the very left and extreme satisfaction on the very right (100).

Sleep QualityBefore surgery and at study completion, an average of 10 days

The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) will be used to determine preoperative and postoperative sleep quality. The ISI is a 7-item questionnaire evaluating severity of difficulty with sleep onset, sleep maintenance, early morning awakening, sleep dissatisfaction, interference in daytime functioning, noticeability of sleep difficulties by others, and distress from sleep difficulty. Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale, and a total score ranges from 0 to 28.

Disposition on dischargeat study completion, an average of 10 days

Data regarding disposition on discharge to home, home with home health, skilled nursing facility, inpatient rehabilitation facility, or other facility will be determined from the electronic medical record on the day of discharge.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Oregon Health and Science University

🇺🇸

Portland, Oregon, United States

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath