The effect of an informative 360-degree virtual reality video on anxiety for women visiting the one-stop clinic for abnormal uterine bleeding: A randomized controlled trial (VISION-trial)

The effect of virtual reality and music on anxiety, non-stress test parameters, and satisfaction of high-risk pregnant women undergoing non-stress tests: Randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Prenatal tests cause high-risk pregnant women to experience high anxiety levels.

AIM

This paper investigated the effect of Virtual Reality (VR) and music on anxiety, non-stress test parameters, and satisfaction of high-risk pregnant women undergoing non-stress tests (NSTs).

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 102 participants randomized into three groups (VR = 34, music = 34, and control = 34). Maternal anxiety was assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-S (STAI-S) before and after NSTs. Satisfaction was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after NSTs. NST parameters were evaluated after NSTs. The findings were reported based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT).

RESULTS

The VR and music groups had significantly lower mean posttest STAI-S scores than the control group (p <.05). There was no significant difference in NST findings (reactive/nonreactive) between the groups (p >.05). The VR group had a significantly shorter reactive NST duration than the control group (p <.05). The VR and music groups had significantly higher mean VAS-satisfaction scores than the control group (p <.05) CONCLUSION: Virtual reality and music during NSTs help high-risk pregnant women experience less anxiety and satisfy them more with the procedure. We recommend that obstetric midwives and nurses use these low-cost, simple, and noninvasive methods to reduce anxiety in high-risk pregnant women during prenatal testing.

Beyond the Consulting Room and Telemedicine: Unveiling the Future of Anesthesiology with Virtual Preoperative Assessment

Telemedicine has rapidly evolved, offering expanded applications including virtual consultations, remote patient education, and therapeutic options. It provides advantages such as increased accessibility, reduced travel time, and convenience. Challenges include privacy concerns, the digital divide, and the need for regulatory frameworks. Virtual preoperative assessment shows promise in safely identifying patients who do not require in-person consultations. Legal considerations and liability issues need to be addressed. While the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, it has also highlighted the need for comprehensive policies and equitable access to maximize its potential in health care delivery.

Does virtual reality technology reduce pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy? A randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality technology in reducing pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy.

DESIGN

A prospective randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

A London University Teaching Hospital.

POPULATION

Women aged 18-70 years undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy procedures.

METHODS

An unblinded randomised controlled trial was performed between March and October 2022 comparing standard outpatient hysteroscopy care with standard care with the addition of a virtual reality headset playing a virtual reality immersive scenario as a distraction technique.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pain and anxiety numeric rating scores (NRS) from 0 to 11.

RESULTS

Eighty-three participants were randomly allocated to the control (n = 42) and virtual reality groups (n = 41). The virtual reality group experienced significantly less anxiety during the procedure than the control group (mean NRS 3.29 versus 4.73, mean difference 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-2.88; P = 0.03). There was no difference in reported average pain (mean NRS 3.73. versus 4.24, mean difference 0.51; 95% CI -1.76 to 0.64; p = 0.41) or maximum pain scores (mean NRS 5.32 versus 5.07, mean difference 0.25; 95% CI -1.05 to 1.55; P = 0.71).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of virtual reality technology as an adjunct to standard care can reduce patient-reported anxiety but not pain during outpatient hysteroscopy procedures. Continued improvements in the technology and the development of increasingly immersive environments may continue to increase the potential to improve the patient experience in this setting.

The effect of virtual reality on women's perceived pain, fear, anxiety, and views about the procedure during hysterosalpingography: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Hysterosalpingography is a stressful procedure that causes pain and anxiety. Therefore, measures must be taken to reduce or eliminate the pain and anxiety associated with it.

OBJECTIVES

This paper investigated the effect of virtual reality (VR) during hysterosalpingography on pain, anxiety, fear, physiological parameters, and satisfaction.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial design was used. Patients were randomized into two groups (VR group = 31, control group = 31). The study was conducted between April 26 and June 30, 2022. Anxiety was evaluated using the State Anxiety Inventory. Pain, fear, and satisfaction were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were followed up.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the mean VAS scores during and 15 min after hysterosalpingography between the VR and control groups. There was no significant difference in the mean SAI scores between the groups. The VR group participants were significantly more satisfied with hysterosalpingography than the control group. There was no significant difference in physiological parameters just before, immediately after, and 15 min after hysterosalpingography between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Virtual reality helps patients experience less pain and fear and makes them more satisfied with hysterosalpingography. However, it does not affect their anxiety and vital signs. Patients are highly satisfied with VR technology.

Medical students' perception of the application of a virtual reality training model to acquire vaginal examination skills

OBJECTIVE

To review the perception of and feedback from medical students on the application of a virtual reality (VR) model to acquire vaginal examination (VE) skills.

METHODS

A specially designed VR training model on VE was developed with the aim of enhancing medical students' VE skills. Medical students attending the gynecology clinic were invited to try this VR training model. Their participation was voluntary and at the completion of their VR training, they were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire to give their feedback and perception regarding this learning experience.

RESULTS

Sixty-five sixth-year medical students completed the VR training and the feedback questionnaire: 55 (84.7%) of them reported that the training instructions were clear and 60 (92.4%) considered the training to the helpful in recalling the details of the tasks. It was also reported that VR technology could facilitate learning and interaction, and motivate learning in 80.1% and 66.2% of medical students, respectively.

CONCLUSION

VR technology is a potential teaching modality for medical students to acquire VE skills. However, further evaluation is needed to determine whether this learning tool is effective in enhancing clinical competence.