Virtual reality and perioperative anxiety: a randomized controlled trial.
Mouna Ouaz, Zayati Mohamed, Khalifa Issam et al.
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In 30 seconds
This monocentric prospective randomized controlled trial evaluated virtual reality (VR) during orthopedic surgery under regional anesthesia. Of 72 patients randomized, 68 were analyzed, with 34 in each group. Preoperative anxiety scores were similar between groups (mean STAI-6: 43.2 without VR vs 44.8 with VR). Intraoperative anxiolytic use was less frequent with VR: 61.7% in the control group versus 5.8% in the VR group (p < 0.001), and the quantity used was also lower. Postoperative anxiety reduction was comparable between groups.
Key findings
- Intraoperative anxiolytic use was 61.7% without VR versus 5.8% with VR (p < 0.001).
- The quantity of intraoperative anxiolytic medication used was lower in the VR group.
- Preoperative STAI-6 scores were similar: 43.2 without VR versus 44.8 with VR.
- Postoperative anxiety reduction was comparable between groups.
Why it matters
Reducing intraoperative anxiolytic use may be relevant to perioperative care, where anxiety management is an important component of anesthesia. This trial suggests VR may offer a non-pharmacological adjunct during orthopedic procedures under regional anesthesia, although the reported anxiety outcomes after surgery did not differ between groups.
What to keep in mind
The study was monocentric, included 68 analyzed patients, and covered a three-month period. The abstract does not report longer-term outcomes.