Using Immersive Virtual Reality Distraction to Reduce Fear and Anxiety before Surgery
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Other documents of the author: Flores, Araceli; Hoffman, Hunter G.; Navarro Haro, Maria Vicenta; García-Palacios, Azucena; ATZORI, BARBARA; Le May, Sylvie; Alhalabi, Wadee; Sampaio, Mariana; Fontenot, Miles R.; Mason, Keira
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comunitat-uji-handle2:10234/8033
comunitat-uji-handle3:10234/8636
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Title
Using Immersive Virtual Reality Distraction to Reduce Fear and Anxiety before SurgeryAuthor (s)
Date
2023Publisher
MDPIISSN
2227-9032Type
info:eu-repo/semantics/articleVersion
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionSubject
Abstract
Presurgical anxiety is very common and is often treated with sedatives. Minimizing or
avoiding sedation reduces the risk of sedation-related adverse events. Reducing sedation can increase
early cognitive recovery ... [+]
Presurgical anxiety is very common and is often treated with sedatives. Minimizing or
avoiding sedation reduces the risk of sedation-related adverse events. Reducing sedation can increase
early cognitive recovery and reduce time to discharge after surgery. The current case study is the
first to explore the use of interactive eye-tracked VR as a nonpharmacologic anxiolytic customized
for physically immobilized presurgery patients. Method: A 44-year-old female patient presenting
for gallbladder surgery participated. Using a within-subject repeated measures design (treatment
order randomized), the participant received no VR during one portion of her preoperative wait
and interactive eye-tracked virtual reality during an equivalent portion of time in the presurgery
room. After each condition (no VR vs. VR), the participant provided subjective 0–10 ratings and
state–trait short form Y anxiety measures of the amount of anxiety and fear she experienced during
that condition. Results: As predicted, compared to treatment as usual (no VR), the patient reported
having 67% lower presurgical anxiety during VR. She also experienced “strong fear” (8 out of 10)
during no VR vs. “no fear” (0 out of 10) during VR. She reported a strong sense of presence during VR
and zero nausea. She liked VR, she had fun during VR, and she recommended VR to future patients
during pre-op. Interactive VR distraction with eye tracking was an effective nonpharmacologic
technique for reducing anticipatory fear and anxiety prior to surgery. The results add to existing
evidence that supports the use of VR in perioperative settings. VR technology has recently become
affordable and more user friendly, increasing the potential for widespread dissemination into medical
practice. Although case studies are scientifically inconclusive by nature, they help identify new directions for future larger, carefully controlled studies. VR sedation is a promising non-drug fear
and anxiety management technique meriting further investigation. [-]
Is part of
Healthcare 2023, 11, 2697Funder Name
University of Washington | King Abdulaziz University | Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University | MAYDAY Fund
Project code
VRAnalgesia2022 | RG-4-611-38
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info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
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- PSB_Articles [1325]