Usability and acceptability of virtual reality for chronic pain management among diverse patients in a safety-net setting: a qualitative analysis

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to understand the usability and acceptability of virtual reality (VR) among a racially and ethnically diverse group of patients who experience chronic pain. Materials and Methods Using the Technology Acceptance Model theory, we conducted semistructured interviews and direct observation of VR use with English-speaking patients who experience chronic pain treated in a public healthcare system (n = 15), using a commercially available VR technology platform. Interviews included questions about current pain management strategies, technology use, experiences and opinions with VR, and motivators for future use. Results Before the study, none of the 15 participants had heard about or used VR for pain management. Common motivators for VR use included a previous history of substance use and having exhausted many other options to manage their pain and curiosity. Most participants had a positive experience with VR and 47% found that the VR modules distracted them from their pain. When attempting the navigation-based usability tasks, most participants (73%–92%) were able to complete them independently. Discussion VR is a usable tool for diverse patients with chronic pain. Our findings suggest that the usability of VR is not a barrier and perhaps a focus on improving the accessibility of VR in safety-net settings is needed to reduce disparities in health technology use. Conclusions The usability and acceptability of VR are rarely studied in diverse patient populations. We found that participants had a positive experience using VR, showed interest in future use, and would recommend VR to family and friends. Lay Summary Chronic pain is pain that lasts for weeks, months, or years, and it affects millions of adult Americans each year. Treatment options for chronic pain typically involve over-the-counter and/or prescription pain medications. However, the use of pain medications, specifically prescription opioids, if not used properly, can lead to serious harm. There is a need to explore pain management strategies without the use of medications. Virtual reality (VR) has been shown to be a safe alternative to managing chronic pain, but it is unclear if patients who receive care in a safety-net healthcare setting would find VR beneficial. To evaluate this gap, we interviewed 15 participants and observed them using a VR headset. Participants reported positive experiences after using the VR headset, ranging from usefulness as a pain di