Exploring Virtual Reality Mindfulness Training for Veterans With SCI and Chronic Pain
This study involves delivering a mindfulness program that was developed for Veterans called VA Compassionate Awareness Learning Module (VA CALM) to Veterans with spinal cord injuries (SCI) to develop accommodations to make the VA CALM program more accessible for those with SCI. It will involve delivering the unmodified curriculum to a group of Veterans with SCI first to determine what areas need accommodations, working with a group of stakeholders to develop appropriate accommodations, and then delivering 1-2 modified modules via virtual reality to evaluate whether using virtual reality was feasible and acceptable for this program.
• Veteran
• Diagnosis of spinal cord injury with incomplete or complete tetraplegia based on AIS score OR incomplete or complete paraplegia based on AIS score.
• Endorses chronic pain lasting 3 months;
• age 18+ years
• Access to high-speed internet
• Endorse being (at least) minimally proficient on the computer (eg, able to check emails, read the news, etc.); be able, either independently or with caregiver support, to get online for virtual meetings and don/doff VR equipment
• Able to speak clearly and independently to participate in focus group interviews.