Virtual reality as a non-pharmacological adjuvant for anxiety in oncology care: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) interventions for managing anxiety in cancer patients. Analyzing 21 studies, the results indicated a moderate-to-high effect size (SMD = -0.793, 95% CI = -1.403 to -0.184; p = 0.011), demonstrating significant reductions in anxiety scores across various cancer types, including breast and prostate cancers.

Key findings

• VR interventions showed a moderate-to-high effect size in reducing anxiety (SMD = -0.793).
• Statistically significant decreases in anxiety scores were reported across multiple cancer types.
• User satisfaction with VR interventions was high, with scores averaging 4.47/5.
• No major side effects were reported, with minor cyber sickness managed effectively.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that VR can serve as an effective non-pharmacological option for anxiety management in oncology care, potentially enhancing patient comfort during treatments. Integrating VR into clinical practice may improve overall patient experiences.