Virtual Reality - A New Vision on Pain

The purpose of the project is to investigate if the use of virtual reality (VR) technology with pre-programmed proprietary software can provide better treatment for patients with long-term pain conditions. This is investigated in this pilot study conducted on patients referred to outpatient treatment at the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The pilot study will lay the foundation for a follow-up study (RCT). The effect of VR are evaluated by patient reporting forms; before start-up and 3 months after startup. Patients included in the study receive standard treatment supplemented with the use of VR technology. The therapists involved will be Interviewed to examine their experiences with the use of the VR-technology in the treatment of patients. VR technology can potentially contribute to better treatment (e.g. measured in outcomes such as activity, sleep problems, pain intensity, quality of life). Moreover we expect that a VR-assisted treatment to be more cost-effective and increased availability regardless of geography and demography.