Implementation of a Virtual Reality Intervention in Outpatient Physiotherapy for Chronic Pain: Protocol for a Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health
• Pain Management

Background:

• Chronic pain presents significant physical, psychological, and social challenges globally.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers a novel approach for patient education and behavioral interventions in physiotherapy.
• A gap exists in strategies for integrating VR into outpatient physiotherapy settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers and facilitators for implementing VR interventions in outpatient physiotherapy for chronic pain.
• To develop and pilot test a theory-driven implementation strategy for VR in 5 German practices.

Main Methods:

• A 4-phase pilot study adapting VR protocols, collecting data via interviews, and applying a theory-driven strategy (using Theoretical Domains framework and Behavior Change Wheel).
• Process evaluation over a 6-month VR intervention period.
• Post-implementation interviews to assess the strategy's effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Recruitment of 5 physiotherapy practices in Lower Saxony, Germany, is complete.
• Adaptation of the VR treatment protocol has been finalized.
• Data collection on barriers and facilitators is scheduled to commence in February 2024.

Conclusions:

• This pilot study aims to create a robust implementation strategy for VR in chronic pain physiotherapy.
• Findings will guide future randomized controlled trials for broader integration of VR into outpatient care.
• The study provides a foundation for refining VR implementation in chronic pain management.