Effectiveness of virtual reality in the management of paediatric anxiety during the peri‑operative period: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Equity implications of extended reality technologies for health and procedural anxiety: a systematic review and implementation-focused framework

OBJECTIVES

Extended reality (XR) applications are gaining support as a method of reducing anxieties about medical treatments and conditions; however, their impacts on health service inequalities remain underresearched. We therefore undertook a synthesis of evidence relating to the equity implications of these types of interventions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Searches of MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycINFO, and Epistemonikos were conducted in May 2023 to identify reviews of patient-directed XR interventions for health and procedural anxiety. Equity-relevant data were extracted from records (n = 56) that met these criteria, and from individual trials (n = 63) evaluated within 5 priority reviews. Analyses deductively categorized data into salient situation- and technology-related mechanisms, which were then developed into a novel implementation-focused framework.

RESULTS

Analyses highlighted various mechanisms that impact on the availability, accessibility, and/or acceptability of services aiming to reduce patient health and procedural anxieties. On one hand, results showed that XR solutions offer unique opportunities for addressing health inequities, especially those concerning transport, cost, or mobility barriers. At the same time, however, these interventions can accelerate areas of inequity or even engender additional disparities.

DISCUSSION

Our "double jeopardy, common impact" framework outlines unique pathways through which XR could help address health disparities, but also accelerate or even generate inequity across different systems, communities, and individuals. This framework can be used to guide prospective interventions and assessments.

CONCLUSION

Despite growing positive assertions about XR's capabilities for managing patient anxieties, we emphasize the need for taking a cautious, inclusive approach to implementation in future programs.

Effectiveness of virtual reality on anxiety, pain, sleep quality, and post-traumatic stress disorder for critically ill patients in intensive care units: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of virtual reality on anxiety, pain, sleep quality, and posttraumatic stress disorder in critically ill patients within intensive care units.

DATA SOURCES

The data sources included PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CINAHL DATA databases.

METHODS

Two authors independently conducted the literature search and quality assessment process. The pooled results were calculated using the standardised mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) using the Review Manager software (Version 5.4).

RESULTS

Ten randomised controlled trials published from 2020 to 2024 were included. Most of the studies were classified as having a low risk of bias or some concerns. The evidence certainty varied from low to moderate for the different outcomes. The pooled results indicated statistically significant effectiveness in anxiety (SMD: -0.46, 95% CI: -0.80 to -0.11, P = 0.01) and sleep quality (SMD: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.29-1.03, P < 0.001) postintervention. No statistically significant effects were found for pain (SMD: -0.11, 95% CI: -0.79-0.57, P = 0.75) or posttraumatic stress disorder (SMD: -0.29, 95 % CI: -0.59-0.02, P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual reality is practical for mitigating anxiety and enhancing sleep quality in critically ill patients within intensive care units; however, its effects on pain and posttraumatic stress disorder are nonsignificant. Virtual reality can broaden its utility and content within intensive care units by incorporating meditation, hypnosis, and cognitive behavioural strategies. Careful consideration should be given to the timing and frequency of virtual reality sessions for patients who are critically ill and unable to remain conscious.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Virtual reality is a promising complementary therapy in intensive care units. It can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Still, its effects on pain and posttraumatic stress disorder are not significant, and future research should focus on optimising devices, expanding content, and selecting appropriate intervention timing and frequency.

Immersive Virtual Reality Versus Video Distraction for the Management of Emergence Delirium in Children: A Randomized Controlled Study

PURPOSE

Emergence delirium (ED) presents challenges for both parents and health care providers in pediatric surgical settings. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) distraction and video distraction combined with parental presence in reducing ED in preschool-aged children undergoing elective surgery.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 90 children ages 4 to 7. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: VR distraction (group V), tablet video distraction with parental presence (group T), and standard care (group C). The primary endpoints were the incidence of ED and Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale scores, with secondary measures encompassing scores from the Parental Separation Anxiety Scale and the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale.

METHODS

Participants were assigned to one of the three intervention groups, and relevant scales were used to assess ED, parental separation anxiety, and postoperative pain. The immersive VR distraction and video distraction with parental presence interventions were compared against standard care.

FINDINGS

Immersive VR distraction significantly reduced the incidence of ED (6.67% in group V vs 40% in group T and 60% in group C), and the incidence of ED in group V was notably lower than in the other groups (P = .023 vs group T and P = .004 vs group C). Children in group V displayed significantly lower FLACC compared with the other groups as well (P < .05). However, no significant differences between the 3 groups were observed in perioperative anxiety as assessed by the Parental Separation Anxiety Scale scores (P = .27).

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the potential of immersive VR distraction as an effective intervention for mitigating ED in pediatric surgical patients. The findings suggest that incorporating VR technology during the perioperative period can positively impact postoperative outcomes. Further research in diverse surgical contexts is recommended to validate these findings and explore the broader applicability of VR distraction in pediatric health care settings.

Non-pharmacological Interventions for Preoperative Anxiety in Children: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

AIMS

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions in children with preoperative anxiety.

BACKGROUND

It is estimated that preoperative anxiety affects up to 60% of children which is associated with both immediate and long-term adverse outcomes. Several non-pharmacological interventions have been demonstrated to be effective, but further research is necessary to determine which is the most effective.

DESIGN

This study was conducted and reported in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 checklist.

METHODS

We searched randomised controlled trials in twelve databases from which inception to March 31, 2024. The primary outcome was the severity of preoperative anxiety change from the baseline to the endpoint which is usually before the anaesthesia induction. Within the frequentist framework, a random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) was used to compare the primary outcomes. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used to rank each intervention separately. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were carried out for the primary outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 36 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with 3182 paediatric patients were included. Based on the results, psychological + digital health intervention was significantly more effective than control groups and ranked highest. Combined parental presence during induction anaesthesia and video games (PPIA + VG) had significant benefits compared to almost all other interventions with the highest rank.

CONCLUSION

Psychological + digital health interventions, especially PPIA + VG, may be the most effective non-pharmacological interventions for reducing preoperative anxiety in children. It is necessary to conduct more RCTs to evaluate the efficacy of different non-pharmacological interventions.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Non-pharmacological interventions can effectively improve preoperative anxiety in children.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution applies to this work.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42024509512 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/).

Virtual and augmented reality for anxiety reduction in orthopedic patients and providers: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Anxiety impacts patients and healthcare providers during orthopedic procedures, yet virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) effectiveness remains inconsistently reported, lacking systematic synthesis in this setting. This review addresses this gap.

METHODS

Per PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42024553394), we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase in March 2024 for studies on VR/AR/mixed reality (MR) interventions for anxiety in orthopedic procedures. Data were narratively synthesized; bias assessed via RoB-2 and ROBINS-I.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies (16 RCTs, 8 cohort, n = 1714) showed VR (22 studies) and AR (2 studies) significantly reduced anxiety across procedure phases, notably in pediatrics. Healthcare providers (HCPs) reported lower anxiety and higher confidence with VR. Satisfaction rose, anesthetic use dropped, though inconsistent tools and methods limited comparisons.

CONCLUSION

VR/AR reduce pediatric anxiety in orthopedics, with less conclusive adult/HCP benefits. Clinicians could adopt preoperative VR. Research needs standardized tools and adult-focused RCTs.

Comparative Efficacy of Video Games Versus Midazolam in Reducing Perioperative Anxiety in Pediatric Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Pediatric patients undergoing surgery frequently experience significant anxiety, which can result in adverse effects such as prolonged sedation and behavioral changes associated with pharmacological interventions such as oral midazolam. Video games offer a nonpharmacological distraction method that shows promise in alleviating procedural anxiety without significant adverse effects. However, the effectiveness of video games compared to midazolam in managing perioperative anxiety remains uncertain.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of video game interventions in reducing perioperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, supplemented by reference screening. Primary outcomes included anxiety levels assessed during parent separation and mask induction procedures, while secondary outcomes encompassed emergence delirium, postoperative behavior, and length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 scale. Data were synthesized descriptively and through meta-analysis, with the certainty of the evidence evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.

Results

Six randomized controlled trials involving 612 participants were included in the analysis. Children who participated in video game interventions reported significantly lower anxiety levels during parent separation (standardized mean difference, SMD -0.31, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.12; P=.001), with high certainty, and during mask induction (SMD -0.29, 95% CI -0.52 to -0.05; P=.02), with moderate certainty, compared to those receiving oral midazolam. Additionally, significant differences in postoperative behavior changes in children were observed compared to oral midazolam (SMD -0.35, 95% CI -0.62 to -0.09; P=.008). Children in the video game intervention groups also had a shorter length of stay in the PACU (mean difference, MD -19.43 min, 95% CI -31.71 to -7.16; P=.002). However, no significant differences were found in emergence delirium (MD -2.01, 95% CI -4.62 to 0.59; P=.13).

Conclusions

Video game interventions were more effective than midazolam in reducing perioperative anxiety among pediatric patients, improving postoperative behavior, and shortening the length of stay in the PACU. However, video games alone did not outperform midazolam in managing emergence delirium. Further high-quality research is needed for more conclusive results.

A Randomized, Controlled Trial of In-Hospital Use of Virtual Reality to Reduce Preoperative Anxiety Prior to Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To study the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in reducing anxiety levels in patients undergoing first-time sternotomy for cardiac surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 100 adult patients scheduled for cardiac surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA, was recruited from April 19, 2022, to October 12, 2022. Before surgery, patients wore a physiological monitor to record vital signs. On the day of surgery, patients completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and were randomized into two groups: one receiving a tablet-based intervention (control) and the other an immersive VR experience in the preoperative holding area. After the interventions, patients repeated the state anxiety component of the STAI.

RESULTS

The results showed that overall state anxiety scores decreased an average of 2.0 points with tablet treatment, but this change failed to reach statistical significance. However, 6 of 20 specific state anxiety features significantly improved with tablet treatment whereas 1 feature significantly worsened. With the VR experience, overall state anxiety scores were significantly reduced by an average of 2.9 points, with improvement in seven state anxiety features (three of which did not overlap with the tablet intervention). Despite a greater reduction in the STAI score with the VR experience, there were no significant differences in the anxiolytic responses between groups. Physiologically, both tablet and VR treatments slightly but significantly reduced pulse rate, with no difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the findings suggest that treatment of older adults with an immersive VR experience before cardiac surgery can significantly reduce overall anxiety. Further investigation determining how such interventions can be optimally implemented in surgical practices and whether such interventions reduce the need for anxiolytic medications and improve the overall patient experience is needed.

Application of virtual reality technology improves the functionality of brain networks in individuals experiencing pain

Medical procedures are inherently invasive and carry the risk of inducing pain to the mind and body. Recently, efforts have been made to alleviate the discomfort associated with invasive medical procedures through the use of virtual reality (VR) technology. VR has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for pain associated with medical procedures, as well as for chronic pain conditions for which no effective treatment has been established. The precise mechanism by which the diversion from reality facilitated by VR contributes to the diminution of pain and anxiety has yet to be elucidated. However, the provision of positive images through VR-based visual stimulation may enhance the functionality of brain networks. The salience network is diminished, while the default mode network is enhanced. Additionally, the medial prefrontal cortex may establish a stronger connection with the default mode network, which could result in a reduction of pain and anxiety. Further research into the potential of VR technology to alleviate pain could lead to a reduction in the number of individuals who overdose on painkillers and contribute to positive change in the medical field.

Extended Reality Interventions for Health and Procedural Anxiety: Panoramic Meta-Analysis Based on Overviews of Reviews

BACKGROUND

Extended reality (XR) technologies are increasingly being used to reduce health and procedural anxieties. The global effectiveness of these interventions is uncertain, and there is a lack of understanding of how patient outcomes might vary between different contexts and modalities.

OBJECTIVE

This research used panoramic meta-analysis to synthesize evidence across the diverse clinical contexts in which XR is used to address common outcomes of health and procedural anxiety.

METHODS

Review-level evidence was obtained from 4 databases (MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycINFO, and Epistemonikos) from the beginning of 2013 until May 30, 2023. Reviews that performed meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials relating to patient-directed XR interventions for health and procedural anxiety were included. Studies that analyzed physiological measures, or focused on technologies that did not include meaningful immersive components, were excluded. Furthermore, data were only included from studies that compared intervention outcomes against no-treatment or treatment-as-usual controls. Analyses followed a preregistered, publicly available protocol. Trial effect sizes were extracted from reviews and expressed as standardized mean differences, which were entered into a 3-level generalized linear model. Here, outcomes were estimated for patients (level 1), studies (level 2), and anxiety indications (level 3), while meta-regressions explored possible influences of age, immersion, and different mechanisms of action. Where relevant, the quality of reviews was appraised using the AMSTAR-2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews, Revised Instrument) tool.

RESULTS

Data from 83 individual trials were extracted from 18 eligible meta-analyses. Most studies involved pediatric patient groups and focused on procedural, as opposed to general, health anxieties (eg, relating to needle insertion, dental operations, and acute surgery contexts). Interventions targeted distraction-, education-, and exposure-based mechanisms, and were provided via a range of immersive and nonimmersive systems. These interventions proved broadly effective in reducing patient anxiety, with models revealing significant but heterogeneous effects for both procedural (d=-0.75, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.54) and general health (d=-0.82, 95% CI -1.20 to -0.45) indications (when compared with nontreatment or usual-care control conditions). For procedural anxieties, effects may be influenced by publication bias and appear more pronounced for children (vs adults) and nonimmersive (vs immersive) technology interventions, but they were not different by indication.

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrate that XR interventions have successfully reduced patient anxiety across diverse clinical contexts. However, significant uncertainty remains about the generalizability of effects within various unexplored indications, and existing evidence is limited in methodological quality. Although current research is broadly positive in this area, it is premature to assert that XR interventions are effective for any given health or procedural anxiety indication.

The Effect of storybook use in pediatric health services on children's fear and anxiety levels: A meta-analysis study

BACKGROUND

Invasive procedures are commonly used in pediatric healthcare, and storybooks can be used as an adjunct analgesic method.

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of using storybooks as a distraction technique to reduce fear and anxiety in pediatric healthcare. This study was conducted with the aim of revealing the level of effect of storybook use on children's fear and anxiety level in pediatric health services.

METHODS

For this meta-analysis study, the studies were obtained by searching PubMed, Web of Scıence, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar and YÖK Thesis Center databases in April-June 2024 without any year limitation. After the reviews, 15 studies were included in the study. The data were synthesized by meta-analysis and narrative methods.

FINDINGS

In this meta-analysis, it was found that storybook use in pediatric health services was effective on children's anxiety (SMD: -4.412, 95 % CI: -7.727 to -1.097; Z = -2.608, p = 0.009; I2 = 99.890 %) and fear (SMD: -1.13, 95 % CI: -1.71 to -0.54; Z = -3.78, p = 0.000; I2 = 83.065 %) levels. In addition, it was determined that the characteristics of the intervention group, age group, the characteristics and content of the storybook, the duration of the intervention and the time of the intervention played a role in the effectiveness of the storybook use intervention in pediatric health services on children's anxiety and fear levels.

CONCLUSION

The use of story books in children's health services reduces the level of fear and anxiety in children.

Effect of video-based interventions on emergence delirium in pediatric patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Emergence delirium is frequently observed in pediatric patients. With advancements in video-based interventions, such as cartoons, video games, and virtual reality, these modalities may contribute to a reduced incidence of emergency delirium among children. However, robust evidence supporting their efficacy remains necessary.

METHODS

The authors conducted a systematic search across multiple databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library, to identify all randomized controlled trials comparing video-based interventions with control treatments in pediatric emergence delirium. Data were aggregated and analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 to evaluate the effectiveness of video-based interventions.

RESULTS

The analysis included eight randomized controlled trials comprising 872 children. The intervention group showed a trend toward lower Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scores (p = 0.10) and fewer emergence delirium events (p = 0.52). Seven studies demonstrated that video-based interventions significantly reduced preoperative anxiety, as indicated by decreased scores on the modified Yale Pre-operative Anxiety Scale (p < 0.00001). Anesthesia duration did not significantly differ between the intervention and control groups (p = 0.16). Notably, subgroup analyses revealed a significant reduction in Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scores among children under seven years of age (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Video-based interventions were linked to lower Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scores and a decreased incidence of emergence delirium events. However, these results did not reach statistical significance across the broader sample. Notably, in children under seven, these interventions significantly reduced the scores.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

The effects of increased screen time on post-surgical pain and pain memory among children with sleep-disordered breathing

Adenotonsillectomy procedures can provide effective relief to children affected by sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), but the post-adenotonsillectomy pain management remains challenging, and the most effective approach to managing postoperative pain in these cases remains uncertain. The use of electronic media as a form of distraction therapy aimed at mitigating postoperative pain in children, it is unknown whether increases in screen time can effectively reduce persistent postoperative pain intensity or the incidence of negatively biased pain memories. A total of 107 SDB children undergoing adenotonsillectomy were enrolled and divided into two groups. Children in the intervention group were allowed to increase their screen time, while screen time was restricted for children in the control group. Child-reported pain intensity and negatively biased pain memories, pain-related fear were analyzed. The results indicated that no significant differences in initial postoperative pain intensity or fear were observed among groups. However, children in the intervention group did exhibit significantly reduced remembered Day 1 postoperative pain intensity (ηp2 = 0.043, p = 0.035), memory of worst pain intensity (ηp2 = 0.047, p = 0.027), and memory of worst pain-related fear (ηp2 = 0.042, p = 0.036) as compared to controls. Subgroup analyses based on age and gender indicated that males and school-aged children presented with lower scores for negatively biased pain memories. Our study exhibited the association between screen time and post-surgical pain intensity and negatively biased pain memories, These findings suggest that increasing screen time represents an effective approach to the postoperative management of negatively biased pain memories in certain subsets of children with SDB.

Virtual reality on perioperative anxiety in pediatric patients: A narrative review

Preoperative anxiety is a common response to stress specifically in the pediatric population exhibiting heightened susceptibility to it. High anxiety levels can negatively impact the quality of anesthesia, increase analgesia requirements, and result in significant postoperative pain. The present review synthesizes recent literature regarding virtual reality (VR)'s efficacy in mitigating preoperative anxiety in the pediatric population. Virtual reality is a nonpharmacological intervention that alleviates pain and preoperative anxiety through cognitive distraction, redirecting patients' focus away from discomfort. Neurophysiologically, VR engages the prefrontal cortex, influences pain pathways, and reduces pain-related activity in the thalamus, insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and primary and secondary somatosensory cortices. Evidence indicates that VR is more effective in reducing anxiety compared to other nonpharmacological strategies, particularly benefiting younger children, who tend to exhibit higher levels of engagement in magical thinking compared to adolescents. Virtual reality presents numerous clinical applications, including facilitating postsurgical recovery, assisting in physiotherapy for neuromuscular disorders, and providing nonpharmaceutical analgesia. However, its integration into healthcare faces several challenges, such as the high costs of acquiring and maintaining the equipment, particularly in resource-limited settings. Moreover, the limited number of studies examining VR exposure with small nonrepresentative sample sizes further constrains its recommendation as an anxiety-reduction technique. Despite its limitations, substantial evidence suggests that VR has the potential to alleviate preoperative anxiety and mitigate the psychological responses of pediatric patients. Standardized research protocols featuring larger sample sizes and expanded access to VR across various levels of care are necessary.

Systematic analysis of anatomy virtual reality (VR) apps for advanced education and further applications

Virtual Reality (VR) technology enables users to immerse themselves in computer-generated environments, providing experiences that are otherwise difficult to attain in real life. VR has expanded from gaming into diverse fields, even the medical sector. In medical education, VR is mainly employed for anatomy and surgical practice, enhancing the learning experience by offering three-dimensional visualization and interaction with human structures. This article compares various VR anatomical applications, including "VEDAVI VR Human Anatomy", "Sharecare YOU Anatomy", "Everyday Anatomy VR", "3D Organon VR Anatomy", "Anatomy Explorer 2020", and "Human Anatomy VR". The comparison focuses on several aspects: the functions of each application, the accuracy of anatomical descriptions of the models, the depiction of movement and functionality of human body parts, the expression of disease, and other practical considerations such as tutorials, convenience of operation and observation, pricing, and user-friendliness. This study aims to serve as a guide for practical use, recommending the most suitable VR applications for educational purposes in the medical field and providing suggestions for improvement based on the analysis.

Efficacy of Virtual Reality as a Treatment Modality on Preoperative vs Postoperative Patient Anxiety: A Systematic Review

Background

This systematic review aimed to investigate the efficacy of VR as a treatment modality on preoperative vs postoperative patient anxiety.

Methods

A thorough search was performed over seven databases using Boolean operators and MeSH terms. Studies that used VR interventions and measured anxiety outcomes were included in the review.

Results

The included studies seem to indicate that VR interventions could help to decrease anxiety in surgical patients. Most of the studies reported significant decreases in anxiety scores or improved anxiety outcomes for their VR groups as compared to control groups or standard care groups. Specifically, preoperative and postoperative anxiety scores were found to be significantly lower in VR groups compared to control groups.

Conclusion

The combined results of the studies do imply that VR interventions have a positive effect on decreasing anxiety in surgical patients. Although some studies demonstrated a consistent pattern of results, others exhibit differences in their findings, which may be attributed to differences in study design, population, or intervention protocols.

Virtual reality-enhanced interventions on preoperative anxiety symptoms in adults undergoing elective surgery: A meta-analysis and meta-regression

BACKGROUND

Virtual reality exposure and distraction are recent novel technologies for reducing preoperative anxiety symptoms. However, the effectiveness of virtual reality-enhanced interventions in adults is still controversial and has yet to be evaluated in a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality-enhanced interventions on preoperative anxiety symptoms in adults compared to comparators; and (2) identify the factors affecting the effectiveness of interventions.

DESIGN

Systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression analysis of randomised controlled trials.

METHODS

We conducted a three-step systematic search from inception until May 1, 2024, using (1) eleven databases, (2) two clinical registries, and (3) citation and grey literature searches in either English or Chinese. The package meta of R software version 4.3.1 was used to perform the meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression analyses. We adopted the restricted maximum likelihood estimator for random-effects meta-analysis and univariate random-effects meta-regression analyses. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool version 2 and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria were used to examine quality assessment and the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

We selected 26 randomised controlled trials with 2357 participants from 12 different countries. Random-effects meta-analyses showed that virtual reality-enhanced interventions had a statistically significant reduction in preoperative anxiety symptoms (t = -5.58, p < 0.001) with a moderate to large effect size (Hedges' g = -0.76, 95 % confidence interval: -1.03 to -0.48) compared to usual care. Statistically significant subgroup differences were found for the nature of the intervention, geographical region, country, and type of surgery. The improvement in preoperative anxiety symptom outcomes was greater when the virtual reality-enhanced interventions were chosen by patients (g = -2.55, 95 % CI: -3.08 to -2.02) when compared to virtual reality exposure interventions with educational content (g = -0.72, 95%CI: -1.07 to -0.38) or virtual reality distraction interventions (g = -0.64, 95 % CI: -1.04 to -0.23). Trials conducted in Asia had a greater effect on preoperative anxiety symptom outcomes (g = -0.98, 95 % CI: -1.33 to -0. 62) in comparison with those conducted in non-Asia (g = -0.23, 95 % CI: -0.54 to 0.07). The random-effects meta-regression identified sample size (β = -0.008, p = 0.031) as a statistically significant covariate of preoperative anxiety symptoms. The overall certainty of the evidence was very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual reality-enhanced interventions can be considered supplementary interventions for adults undergoing elective surgery. Future trials on a large scale with follow-up assessments are needed.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42024486343.

Infectious Diseases-Approved Virtual Reality Goggles for Common Procedures in Pediatric Surgical Patients

Background/Objective: Virtual reality (VR) technology has been reported as effective in mitigating fear, anxiety, and pain in children undergoing various medical procedures. Our aim was to test the effectiveness of non-sponge-coated mobile phone-operated VR goggles approved by infectious diseases (ID) control in pediatric surgical patients. Methods: A prospective randomized trial in which pre-procedural and post-procedural heart rate, fear, and anxiety, and post-procedural pain were measured in pediatric surgical patients assigned to receive standard care versus standard care and VR goggles. The patients underwent line insertions, peripheral venipunctures for blood draws, drain removals, and wound care. Results: The control group and the intention-to-treat group were each randomly assigned twenty-four patients. Since eight patients who received VR goggles removed them prior to completion of the procedure, the study group included sixteen patients. In the study group, heart rate, fear, and anxiety scores were significantly lower after the procedure as compared to prior to the procedure. In the control group, these parameters were similar before and after the procedure. Post-procedural decrease in fear and anxiety was significant when comparing VR to control. However, despite better post-procedural physiological and emotional scores in the VR group as compared to control, the differences were not statistically significant. Pre-procedural anxiety was significantly higher in the study group. Conclusions: ID-approved VR goggles can reduce fear and anxiety associated with procedures commonly performed in pedicatric surgical patients. However, since increased baseline anxiety might be associated with VR, a higher benefit might be achieved if goggles were worn only by children who express a clear desire to use them.

Virtual Reality to Reduce Pain, Fatigue, and Emotional Distress in People With Cancer: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Cancer and its treatments cause symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and emotional distress, which affect the quality of life of patients at different stages of cancer. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising alternative for addressing these symptoms by immersing patients in a virtual environment that isolates them from reality.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the existing evidence on the use of VR to improve pain, fatigue, and emotional distress in people with cancer at different stages of the cancer trajectory.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Search was conducted in PubMed and CINAHL until October 2023.

RESULTS

Twenty-three primary studies related to the study topic were identified, and the following information was collected: type of VR (immersive vs nonimmersive) used in oncology services, purpose (distraction, training, or relaxation), devices used (head-mounted display, headset, or virtual controller), and the environment simulated (natural environment, skill games, or educational environment). The effects of VR on pain, fatigue, and emotional distress are described, highlighting its ability to mitigate these symptoms in the short term.

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual reality has been shown to be an effective technique for reducing pain, fatigue, and emotional distress in people with cancer in the short term.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Nurses can use VR as a complementary tool to promote virtual environments that improve the care for and therefore the quality of life of people with cancer.

Usefulness of a virtual reality educational program for reducing preoperative anxiety in children: A randomised, single-centre clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Preoperative anxiety (PA) is common in children and has detrimental effects on surgical outcome. Strategies based on virtual reality (VR) have recently been introduced to address this problem.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the usefulness of a virtual reality educational program (VREP) for reducing preoperative anxiety in elective low-complexity paediatric surgery.

DESIGN

Randomised clinical trial.

SETTING

Single tertiary centre in Barcelona, Spain. Between January 2019 and June 2022.

PATIENTS

Children aged 3-13 years of age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II, scheduled for elective low-complexity surgery were enrolled in the study.

INTERVENTION

Children were randomised into a control group (received oral/written information about the anaesthetic-surgical process, and patients and their parents remained in a playroom waiting for the surgery) or VREP (viewed a VR-based educational video on the surgical process, 7-10 days prior to surgery) using the MATLAB application.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

PA using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) during separation from parents.

RESULTS

In total, 241 children aged 3-12 years of age were studied (120 patients with VREP and 121 controls). Randomisation eliminated the differences between the groups, except for a greater male presence in the VREP group (83.3% vs. 71.1%; P  = 0.023). The mYPAS yielded was lower in the VREP group (29.2% vs. 83.5%; P  < 0.001). Sex did not influence VREP-mediated decrease in PA ( P  < 0.001). In turn, VREP patients were more cooperative (Induction Compliance Checklist [ICC] score 0 points vs. 2 points; P  < 0.001) during anaesthesia induction, presented less delirium (Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium [PAED] score 1 point vs. 3 points; P  = 0.001) on leaving the recovery room, and experienced less pain upon arrival in the hospital ward (Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale: 0-points vs. 1 point; P  < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The VREP-based prevention strategy reduced preoperative anxiety in children undergoing elective low-complexity surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03578393.

Virtual reality for postsurgical pain management: An explorative randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool in a multimodal analgesic approach; however, evidence regarding virtual reality for postsurgical pain is limited. This study investigates the initial effectiveness and feasibility of self-administered virtual reality in postsurgical pain management.

METHODS

Patients reporting a postsurgical pain score ≥4 were randomized for control or VR, stratified for 3 interventions with varying levels of immersion and interaction. Subjects were instructed to use virtual reality as add-on treatment at least 3 times a day for 10 minutes on days 2 till 4 postoperatively. Primary outcome was the mean daily pain intensity. Results of pain scores were related to patient and intervention characteristics, to explore which characteristics interact with virtual reality effects. Secondary outcomes were analgesic use, anxiety, stress, and feasibility.

RESULTS

One hundred patients were included in the analyses: 37 in the control group and 63 for VR. VR did not demonstrate a significant effect on self-reported pain scores (P = .43), nor were specific patient or intervention characteristics associated with greater VR effects. Analgesic usage did not differ between groups. However, there was a trend toward greater cumulative percentages of patients achieving a 30% pain reduction, and significantly lower daily experienced stress (P = .01) and anxiety (P = .03) levels in VR intervention groups. VR was used less than prescribed, mainly because of illness and pain. Adverse events included disorientation, nausea, and fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

This explorative study did not demonstrate initial effectiveness of VR as add-on pain treatment regarding pain and analgesic use; however, VR positively affected stress and anxiety. VR is safe and suitable for a wide target audience, and feasibility differed between interventions. Personalizing and improving VR technology may enhance its effectiveness.

The impact of virtual reality exposure on anxiety and pain levels in pediatric patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PROBLEM

Virtual reality (VR) is used as a novel intervention technique to alleviate uncomfortable experiences such as anxiety and pain in children. Recently, VR distraction has gained prominence in pediatric medical procedures. However, no studies have yet conducted a further quantitative analysis of the intervention effects of virtual reality exposure (VRE). This systematic review aims to analyse the effect of VRE on anxiety and pain levels in paediatric patients undergoing medical procedures.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Relevant studies were searched from four databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science. This systematic review has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO).

RESULTS

The meta-analysis incorporated a total of 11 articles, encompassing 1,099 pediatric patients. The results showed that VRE relieved children's anxiety [SMD = -0.61, 95% CI (-0.93, -0.28), p < 0.001], but there was no significant difference in alleviating pain in children [SMD = -1.48, 95% CI (-3.40, 0.44), p = 0.131].

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that VRE is effective in reducing children's anxiety during medical procedures. However, 7 of the 11 original studies included in this review were from the same research project, which may increase the risk of reporting bias. Also, more high-quality studies are needed in the future to verify its effectiveness for pain levels.

IMPLICATIONS

VRE can help children become familiar with the medical environment, overcome anxiety and fear, and learn about medical procedures in advance. This can enhance their cooperation during medical process, leading to a more positive medical experience.

3-Dimensional Virtual Reality Versus 2-Dimensional Video for Distraction During the Induction of Anesthesia in Children to Reduce Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Preoperative anxiety is common in children. It can contribute to negative experiences with anesthetic induction and may cause adverse physiological and psychological effects. Virtual reality (VR) and electronic tablet devices are 2 audiovisual distraction tools that may help to reduce anxiety and enhance the preoperative experience. This study aimed to compare the use of an immersive 3-dimensional (3D) VR to 2-dimensional (2D) video on anxiety in children during induction of general anesthesia.

METHODS

Two hundred children (4-13 years) undergoing elective or emergency surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized, controlled trial. Participants were randomized to use either the 3D VR goggles (intervention) or 2D video tablet (control) during anesthetic induction. Anxiety, the primary outcome, was measured using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale Short Form (mYPAS-SF) at 2 time points: in the preoperative holding area before randomization (T1) and during induction of general anesthesia (T2). The primary outcome was analyzed using a linear regression model, including demographic and other covariates, to investigate any differences in anxiety scores. Secondary outcomes included evaluating compliance during the anesthetic induction (Induction Compliance Checklist), emergence of delirium (Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium), perceived usefulness of the device, and child satisfaction.

RESULTS

Participant characteristics were similar between the 3D VR (n = 98) and 2D video (n = 90) groups, with a mean (±standard deviation) age 8. 8 ± 2.8 years. The median (lower quartile, upper quartile) mYPAS-SF scores for the 3D VR group at the preoperative holding area were 22.9 (22.9, 35.4), then 29.2 (24.0, 41.7) during induction. For the 2D Video group, the scores were 27.1 (22.9, 35.4) and then 30.2 (22.9, 41.1). No significant difference was observed in the increase in mYPAS-SF scores between groups (P = .672). Children in the 3D VR group were less likely to be rated as having a perfect induction (P = .039). There was no evidence of a difference between the groups in emergence delirium. Both devices were rated highly for usefulness and patient satisfaction. Children preferred VR, while anesthesiologists and parents felt the 2D was more useful.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized controlled trial demonstrated that preoperative anxiety was equally low and induction compliance high with both 3D VR and 2D video distraction in children with parental presence during anesthetic induction.

Influence of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments on preoperative anxiety of preschool-aged children undergoing surgery

BACKGROUND

Preschoolers become anxious when they are about to undergo anesthesia and surgery, warranting the development of more appropriate and effective interventions.

AIM

To explore the effect of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments on preoperative anxiety and anesthesia induction compliance in preschool-aged children undergoing surgery.

METHODS

One hundred and sixteen preschool-aged children were selected and assigned to the drug (n = 37), intervention (n = 40), and control (n = 39) groups. All the children received routine preoperative checkups and nursing before being transferred to the preoperative preparation room on the day of the operation. The drug group received 0.5 mg/kg midazolam and the intervention group treatment consisting of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments. The control group received no intervention. The modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale was used to evaluate the children’s anxiety level on the day before surgery (T0), before leaving the preoperative preparation room (T1), when entering the operating room (T2), and at anesthesia induction (T3). Compliance during anesthesia induction (T3) was evaluated using the Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC). Changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and respiratory rate (RR) were also recorded at each time point.

RESULTS

The anxiety scores of the three groups increased variously at T1 and T2. At T3, both the drug and intervention groups had similar anxiety scores, both of which were lower than those in the control group. At T1 and T2, MAP, HR, and RR of the three groups increased. The drug and control groups had significantly higher MAP and RR than the intervention group at T2. At T3, the MAP, HR, and RR of the drug group decreased and were significantly lower than those in the control group but were comparable to those in the intervention group. Both the drug and intervention groups had similar ICC scores and duration of anesthesia induction (T3), both of which were higher than those of the control group.

CONCLUSION

Combining static cartoons with dynamic virtual environments as effective as medication, specifically midazolam, in reducing preoperative anxiety and fear in preschool-aged children. This approach also improve their compliance during anesthesia induction and helped maintain their stable vital signs.

Use of virtual reality in children in a broad range of medical settings: a systematic narrative review of recent meta-analyses

Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging method that can be used in many scenarios involving children. VR has been increasingly studied as it has become cheaper, more widely available, and of better quality. In this review of current meta-analyses on the use of VR in children in the medical setting, we examined its role in 5 broad settings where it is used to alleviate pain and anxiety as well as in therapeutic scenarios. The study scope was purposefully broad to highlight a wide range of cases. We searched the ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and PMC databases for meta-analyses using VR in pediatric populations in medical settings. The National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool and Quality of Reporting of Meta-analyses statement checklist were used to verify study quality. Six hundred fifty-three articles were retrieved; after the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 remained. These meta-analyses included cerebral palsy (4 meta-analyses), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (2 meta-analyses), burn care (1 meta-analysis), preoperative anxiety (2 meta-analyses), and needle-involving procedures (2 meta-analyses). The meta-analyses showed broadly positive results, with VR being useful in the areas in which it was applied. This study had several limitations. The meta-analyses consistently highlighted a high level of heterogeneity, making it challenging to draw clear conclusions. Most meta-analyses across all fields yielded encouraging results. However, further studies are required to confirm these findings. Guidelines must be established for future experiments to provide a standard and uniform procedure for reducing the heterogeneity of experimental methods.

From Aviation to Pediatric Surgery

Aviation is a tremendously complex process involving multiple factors that can be subsidiary to human error. The implementation of checklists, tools that reduce this risk, has often been extrapolated to other fields, especially medicine. Through this reflection, we comment on the critical and relevant aspects of pediatric surgical patient safety, briefly discussing the existing literature and analyzing potential areas for improvement.

A bibliometric analysis of research on pediatric preoperative anxiety (2007-2022)

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the current state of research on preoperative anxiety in children through CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the identification of hot spots and frontiers.

Method

Relevant data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection using the search terms children and preoperative anxiety. Data were analyzed using VOSviewer (version 1.6.18), CiteSpace (5.7. R5) software, and Scimago Graphica.

Results

A total of 622 articles were published between 2007 and 2022, with an increasing trend over time. Kain, Zeev N. (13; 2.09%) and Dalhousie University (15; 2.41%) were the most influential authors and most prolific institutions, respectively. The United States (121; 19.45%) was the country with the most publications. Pediatric anesthesia (55; 8.84%) had the most publications. High-frequency keywords were categorized into three themes, including nonpharmacologic interventions for preoperative anxiety in children, preoperative medications, and risk factors for anxiety; of these, "predictor" (38; 2016) and "sedative premedication" (20; 2016) were the most studied keywords over the past 6 years. "Distraction" (67; 2019) and "dexmedetomidine" (65; 2019) have been the main areas of interest in recent years.

Conclusion

Research on preoperative anxiety in children has been the focus of increasing attention over the past fifteen years, with the majority of publications from high-income countries. This review provides a useful perspective for understanding research trends, hot topics, and research gaps in this expanding field.

A brief virtual reality intervention for pre-operative anxiety in adults

OBJECTIVE

Virtual reality (VR) is a promising non-pharmacologic tool for managing health care anxiety. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a pre-operative VR intervention by adult patients and medical staff and measured anxiety in adult patients pre- and post-VR intervention.

STUDY DESIGN

We recruited 30 patients scheduled to undergo oral surgery and 8 medical staff as participants. The patients completed a verbal demographic survey and rated their anxiety before the VR intervention and at 1 minute and 2 minutes post-intervention. We administered the Acceptability of Intervention Measure to the patients to measure their perceptions of the VR intervention and the Feasibility of Intervention Measure to the medical staff to assess their perception of VR implementation. We performed an analysis of variance to compare pre-operative anxiety over time and assess demographic differences.

RESULTS

The patients showed high and consistent acceptability of the pre-operative use of VR among patients, but acceptability varied among medical staff. The patients experienced a statistically significant reduction of pre-operative anxiety (P = .003).

CONCLUSION

A brief VR pre-intervention is highly accepted by and very beneficial for patients undergoing oral surgery, positively affecting anxiety reduction. The perception of VR by health care providers needs to be explored to increase acceptability.

The effect of augmented reality on preoperative anxiety in children and adolescents: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Virtual reality has been shown to be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing anxiety of pediatric patients. A newer immersive technology, that of augmented reality, offers some practical advantages over virtual reality, and also seems to show beneficial effects on anxiety. The main objective of this study was to determine whether augmented reality could reduce preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing elective day surgeries. A secondary outcome was to document the level of satisfaction from pediatric patients toward augmented reality intervention.

METHODS

Children and adolescents aged between 5 and 17 years old scheduled for elective day surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the control group received standard care, whereas patients in the augmented reality group were accompanied by two virtual characters who taught them relaxation techniques and provided emotional and informational support. Anxiety was measured at the time of admission and at the time of induction using the short version of the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale.

RESULTS

The analysis included 37 pediatric patients in the augmented reality group and 64 in the control group. Anxiety scores were statistically significantly lower in the augmented reality group than those in the control group at the time of admission (median difference [95% CI]: 6.3 [0-10.4], p = .01), while no difference was observed between groups at the time of induction (median difference [95% CI]: -4.2 [-5.2-4.2], p = .58). Most patients in the augmented reality group wished to wear the glasses again and reported to be very satisfied with the intervention.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this study is the first large randomized controlled trial to provide empirical evidence of reduction in anxiety for children and adolescents using augmented reality prior to induction of general anesthesia.

Evolution of anxiety management in prostate biopsy under local anesthesia: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION AND METHODS

Prostate biopsy (PB) is an essential step in the diagnosis and active surveillance of prostate cancer (PCa). Transperineal PB (TP-PB) is now the recommended approach and is mostly conducted under local anesthesia. However, this procedure can potentially cause anxiety for patients, given the oncological context and the fear of peri-procedural pain and complications. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize the currently available tools for the management of peri-interventional anxiety during TP-PB, with a particular emphasis on the potential role of virtual reality (VR) in this setting.

RESULTS

In TP-PB, preoperative anxiety can lead to increased pain perception, longer procedure time, and decreased patient satisfaction. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches have been explored to reduce anxiety, such as premedication, deep sedation, education, relaxation techniques, hypnosis, and music therapy, albeit with mixed results. VR has recently emerged in the technological armamentarium for managing pain and anxiety, and the efficiency of this technology has been evaluated in various medical fields, including pediatrics, gastroenterology, urology, gynecology, and psychiatry.

CONCLUSION

Despite the paucity of available data, VR appears to be a safe and effective technique in reducing anxiety in many procedures, even in frail patients. No studies have evaluated the role of VR in TP-PB. Future research should thus explore the optimal way to implement VR technology and any potential benefits for TP-PB patients.

Preoperative Virtual Reality to Expose Patients With Breast Cancer to the Operating Room Environment: Feasibility and Pilot Case Series Study

BACKGROUND

Clinically elevated preoperative distress and anxiety are common among patients undergoing cancer surgery. Preoperative interventions have been developed to mitigate this distress and anxiety but are inconsistent in efficacy and feasibility for broad implementation.

OBJECTIVE

This preliminary pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and utility of a newly developed virtual reality (VR) intervention to expose patients awaiting breast cancer surgery to the operating room environment and a simulation of anesthetic induction.

METHODS

Patients undergoing breast cancer surgery (N=7) were assigned to the VR intervention or control (treatment as usual) group and completed self-report measures of distress and anxiety before surgery, on the day of surgery, and after surgery (5 and 30 d postoperatively). Those in the intervention group trialed the VR simulation 1 to 2 weeks preoperatively and provided qualitative and quantitative feedback. We assessed the feasibility of recruitment capability and study design and evaluated participants' impressions of the intervention using self-report rating scales and open-ended questions. We also descriptively examined distress and anxiety levels throughout the duration of the study.

RESULTS

Recruitment occurred between December 2021 and December 2022 and progressed slowly (rate: 1 participant/7 wk on average; some hesitancy because of stress and being overwhelmed). All participants who consented to participate completed the entire study. All participants were female and aged 56 (SD 10.56) years on average. In total, 57% (4/7) of the participants were assigned to the intervention group. On average, intervention participants spent 12 minutes engaged in the VR simulation. In general, the intervention was rated favorably (eg, clear information, enjoyable, and attractive presentation; mean% agreement 95.00-96.25, SD 4.79-10.00) and as helpful (mean% agreement 87.50, SD 25.00). Participants described the intervention as realistic (eg, "It was realistic to my past surgical experiences"), impacting their degree of preparedness and expectations for surgery (eg, "The sounds and sights and procedures give you a test run; they prepare you for the actual day"), and having a calming or relaxing effect (eg, "You feel more relaxed for the surgery").

CONCLUSIONS

This preoperative VR intervention demonstrated preliminary feasibility among a sample of patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Results and participant feedback will inform modifications to the VR intervention and the study design of a large-scale randomized controlled trial to examine the efficacy of this intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04544618; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04544618.

Nature-based mindfulness programs using virtual reality to reduce pediatric perioperative anxiety: a narrative review

Over 75% of pediatric surgery patients experience preoperative anxiety, which can lead to complicated recoveries. Current interventions are less effective for children over 12 years old. New interventions, like mindfulness-based ones (MBIs), are needed to address this issue. MBIs work well for reducing mental health symptoms in youth, but they can be challenging for beginners. Virtual reality (VR) nature settings can help bridge this gap, providing an engaging 3-D practice environment that minimizes distractions and enhances presence. However, no study has investigated the combined effects of mindfulness training in natural VR settings for pediatric surgery patients, creating a significant gap for a novel intervention. This paper aims to fill that gap by presenting a narrative review exploring the potential of a nature-based mindfulness program using VR to reduce pediatric preoperative anxiety. It begins by addressing the risks of anxiety in children undergoing surgery, emphasizing its impact on physical recovery, and supporting the use of VR for anxiety reduction in hospitals. The review then delves into VR's role in nature and mindfulness, discussing theoretical concepts, clinical applications, and effectiveness. It also examines how the combination of mindfulness, nature, and VR can create an effective intervention, supported by relevant literature. Finally, it synthesizes the existing literature's limitations, findings, gaps, and contradictions, concluding with research and clinical implications.

Does a 30-minute introductory visit to the operating room reduce patients' anxiety before elective surgery? a prospective controlled observational study

BACKGROUND

Patients scheduled for elective surgery typically suffer from preoperative anxiety related to the unknown environment and unclear expectations. We hypothesized that a virtual or in-person introductory visit to the operating room one day before surgery may decrease the extent of preoperative anxiety by familiarizing patients and their families with the operating room environment. So, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of operating room visits, conducted both in-person and virtual reality, on patients' preoperative anxiety.

METHODS

This prospеctivе controllеd obsеrvational study еxaminеd patiеnts who wеrе candidatеs for gеnеral surgеry in a tеaching hospital in Iran. All patiеnts agеd bеtwееn 18-60 yеars, who wеrе undеrgoing gеnеral surgеry bеtwееn April and Sеptеmbеr 2022 and had prеopеrativе anxiеty basеd on thе Spiеlbеrgеr quеstionnairе, wеrе sеlеctеd. Patients who had emergency surgery or were taking anti-anxiety drugs were excluded from the study. Patiеnts wеrе thеn randomly assignеd to thе in-pеrson visit, virtual rеality visit, and control groups. In thе in-pеrson group, individuals visitеd thе opеrating room for 30 minutеs on thе day bеforе surgеry. In contrast, in thе virtual rеality group, visits wеrе conductеd via a 'livе' virtual vidеo tour of thе opеrating room for thе samе duration on thе day bеforе surgеry. The control group received routine care such as prе-surgеry hospitalization and mеdication. All participants completed the Spielberger questionnaire before the intervention (the day before surgery) and again two hours before surgery. Data were analyzed using variance analysis, t-tests, and Chi-square tests in SPSS 22 software.

RESULTS

Wе idеntifiеd 105 patiеnts undеrgoing gеnеral surgеry who wеrе dividеd into thrее groups of 35 pеoplе еach. Thе rеsults showеd that, bеforе thе intеrvеntion, thеrе wеrе no statistically significant diffеrеncеs among thе thrее groups in tеrms of dеmographic data and prеopеrativе anxiеty (p > 0.05). Aftеr thе intеrvеntion, thе mеan scorеs of prеopеrativе anxiеty in thе in-pеrson visit, virtual rеality visit, and control groups wеrе 52.82 ± 4.51, 54.48 ± 5.04, and 53.42 ± 4.62, rеspеctivеly, with no significant statistical diffеrеncе (p = 0.33). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in preoperative anxiety scores before and after the intervention in the in-person visit (p = 0.13), virtual reality visit (p = 0.10), and control (p = 0.33) groups.

CONCLUSION

A 30-minute visit to familiarize patients with the operating room environment, equipment, and staff, whether conducted in-person or virtually, does not significantly affect patients' preoperative anxiety or reduce their anxiety levels.

Effects of Using Guided Deep Breathing Exercises in a Virtual Natural Environment to Reduce Stress during Pediatric Treatment

There exists a need for new methods to address treatment anxiety in pediatrics-at the same time, deep breathing exercises and virtual natural environments have both been known to have stress-reducing qualities. This article reports the combined effect of these two methods in a pediatric setting. A feasibility study was conducted in a local hospital. The study had a within-subjects design, and it included 21 child patients aged 8 to 12 years old, who used a virtual reality (VR) relaxation application developed for this purpose during an intravenous cannulation procedure related to their treatment. The key findings highlight a statistically very significant stress reduction associated with the utilized VR intervention, demonstrated by heart rate variability measurements (SDNN, p < 0.001; RMSSD, p = 0.002; Stress Index, p < 0.001; LF/HF ratio, p = 0.010). This effect was consistent regardless of the level of general anxiety or the level of needle phobia of the patient, and no adverse effects were observed. The results show the strong potential of using deep breathing exercises in virtual natural environments for addressing treatment anxiety related to invasive pediatric procedures.

Design and User Experience of VirNE Application: Deep Breathing Exercise in a Virtual Natural Environment to Reduce Treatment Anxiety in Pediatrics

Treatment anxiety is a serious problem among child patients. A few studies have addressed this issue with virtual reality solutions, with promising results; however, the applications used have generally been designed for entertainment instead of this purpose. This article studies the potential of using deep breathing exercises in a virtual natural environment to address this issue, with a focus on design approach and user experience. It presents the VirNE-Virtual Natural Environments relaxation application, which is based on known stress-reduction methods, and a feasibility study conducted with it in a local hospital. The study had a within-subjects design, and it included 21 eight to twelve-year-old child patients, who used the application during an intravenous cannulation procedure related to their treatment. The study found good user acceptance and user experience both among the child patients and pediatricians, with the perceived usefulness of the method being higher among the patients with increased levels of anxiety or needle phobia. In addition, a clear stress-reducing effect was found. This offers proof-of-concept for the multidisciplinary design approach based on existing scientific knowledge regarding the desired effect for pediatric virtual reality applications for this use context.

Virtual Reality in Clinical Nursing Practice Over the Past 10 Years: Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses

Background

Virtual reality (VR) has shown promising levels of effectiveness in nursing education, pain management, and rehabilitation. However, meta-analyses have discussed the effects of VR usage in nursing unilaterally and inconsistently, and the evidence base is diffuse and varied.

Objective

We aimed to synthesize the combined evidence from meta-analyses that assessed the effects of nurses using VR technology on nursing education or patient health outcomes.

Methods

We conducted an umbrella review by searching for meta-analyses about VR intervention in clinical nursing practice on Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed, and in reference lists. Eligible studies were published in English between December 1, 2012, and September 20, 2023. Meta-analyses of ≤2 intervention studies and meta-analyses without 95% CI or heterogeneity data were excluded. Characteristic indicators, population information, VR intervention information, and 95% CIs were extracted. A descriptive analysis of research results was conducted to discern relationships between VR interventions and outcomes. I2 and P values were used to evaluate publication bias. AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) 2 and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) checklist were used to appraise literature quality.

Results

In total, 768 records were identified; 74 meta-analyses were included for review. The most reported VR study conditions were neuronursing (25/74, 34%), pediatric nursing (13/74, 18%), surgical and wound care (11/74, 15%), oncological nursing (11/74, 15%), and older adult nursing (10/74, 14%). Further, 30% (22/74) of meta-analyses reported publication bias, and 15% (11/74) and 8% (6/74) were rated as "high" based on AMSTAR 2 and the GRADE checklist, respectively. The main outcome indicators among all included meta-analyses were pain (37/214, 17.3%), anxiety (36/214, 16.8%), cognitive function (17/214, 7.9%), balance (16/214, 7.5%), depression (16/214, 7.5%), motor function (12/214, 5.6%), and participation in life (12/214, 5.6%). VR treatment for cognition, pain, anxiety, and depression was effective (all P values were <.05), while the utility of VR for improving motor function, balance, memory, and attention was controversial. Adverse effects included nausea, vomiting, and dizziness (incidence: range 4.76%-50%). The most common VR platforms were Pico VR glasses, head-mounted displays, the Nintendo Wii, and the Xbox Kinect. VR intervention duration ranged from 2 weeks to 12 months (typically ≥4 wk). VR session length and frequency ranged from 5 to 100 minutes and from 1 to 10 times per week, respectively.

Conclusions

VR in nursing has positive effects-relieving patients' pain, anxiety, and depression and improving cognitive function-despite the included studies' limited quality. However, applying VR in nursing to improve patients' motor function, balance, memory, and attention remains controversial. Nursing researchers need to further explore the effects and standard operation protocols of VR in clinical practice, and more high-quality research on VR in nursing is needed.

Comparison of S-ketamine and midazolam for intravenous preoperative sedative and anxiolytic effects in preschool children: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Preoperative anxiety management is gaining particular attention in paediatric anaesthesia. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological resorts can be implemented to address this special issue. Despite the various approaches currently used for preoperative sedation in children, the different sedative and anti-anxiety effects between the newly marketed anaesthetic, S-ketamine, and the traditional sedative, midazolam, are still unclear.

METHODS

This is a patient- and assessor-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants (n = 110) will receive S-ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) or midazolam (0.08 mg/kg) intravenously administrated at a ratio of 1:1 in the anaesthesia holding area. The primary outcome of this study is the sedative effect evaluated via the change in the modified Yale preoperative anxiety scale. It will be performed at two timepoints: in the pre-anaesthetic holding area before premedication (baseline, marked as T0) and about 5 min after premedication in the operating room without the existence of their guardians (marked as T1). Our secondary objectives include the parent separation anxiety score, postoperative agitation, caregivers' and anaesthesia care providers' satisfaction, and mask compliance.

DISCUSSION

This randomized controlled trial is the first study to compare the anti-anxiety effect of intravenous S-ketamine and midazolam. We will provide a new approach for the clinical management of preoperative anxiety in preschool children posted for elective surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2300069998. Registered on 30 March 2023.

Effectiveness of virtual reality in reducing preoperative anxiety in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To evaluate the impact of a virtual reality (VR) intervention on adult patients' preoperative anxiety, heart rate, respiration rate and blood pressure.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

DATA SOURCES

A librarian-designed search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, CBM, CNKI and Wanfang databases was conducted to identify research studies in English or Chinese on RCTs from their inception to 31 May 2022. Detailed search strategies and the checklist are provieded in Supplementary files S1 and S2.

REVIEW METHODS

Two researchers independently screened eligible studies. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. A fixed- or random-effects meta-analysis model was used to determine the pooled mean difference based on the results of the heterogeneity test.

RESULTS

This study included 11 articles with a total of 892 participants. VR distraction comprised five studies, and VR exposure consisted of six studies. The results indicated that VR could reduce preoperative anxiety in adult patients and VR exposure seems to be more effective. The results also indicated that VR intervention can effectively reduce patients' heart rate and blood pressure compared to traditional intervention methods, but had no significant effect on respiration rate.

CONCLUSION

VR technology could relieve preoperative anxiety in adult patients through distraction or exposure. More well-designed RCTs containing a wider range of surgical types are needed to verify our findings before we can make strong recommendations.

IMPACT

Our systematic review and meta-analysis show a positive effect of VR distraction and exposure interventions in reducing preoperative anxiety in adult patients. We suggest incorporating VR into preoperative procedures as an auxiliary way to reduce negative emotions in eligible patients.

NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Our paper is a systematic review and meta-analysis and such details do not apply to our work.

Efficacy of nonpharmacologic interventions in preoperative anxiety: A systematic review of systematic reviews

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Evidence suggests that preparing patients for surgery using nonpharmacological strategies reduces their anxiety. However, there is no consensus on what the best practices are. This study aims to answer the question: Are interventions using nonpharmacological therapies effective in reducing preoperative anxiety?

BACKGROUND

Preoperative anxiety causes physiological and psychological adverse effects, with a negative effect on postoperative recovery.

INTRODUCTION

According to the World Health Organization, between 266 and 360 million surgical procedures are performed annually worldwide, and it is estimated that more than 50% of patients will experience some degree of preoperative anxiety.

DESIGN

Systematic review of systematic reviews with results of interventions aimed at mitigating preoperative anxiety.

METHODS

A search was conducted for systematic reviews with meta-analyses published between 2012 and 2021 in Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 scale. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO.

RESULTS

A total of 1016 studies were examined, of which 17 systematic reviews were selected, yielding 188 controlled trials with 16,884 participants. In adults, the most common intervention included music, followed by massage, in children virtual reality and clowns. Almost all controlled trials reported a reduction in preoperative anxiety after the intervention, of which almost half had statistically significant results.

CONCLUSION

Interventions that include music, massage and virtual reality reduce preoperative anxiety and have shown that they are cost-effective, minimally invasive and with a low risk of adverse effects. Preoperative anxiety can be reduced through a short-term intervention involving nursing professionals as an alternative or complement to drugs.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This review suggests that nursing professionals, in collaboration with other health professionals, should continue to conduct research on the reduction in preoperative anxiety. Further research in this area is needed, to reduce heterogeneity and consolidate the results.

NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Not applied to our study, as it is a systematic review of systematic reviews.

Virtual reality for pain management: an umbrella review

Background and objective

Virtual reality is a promising pain control strategy for various pain conditions. This umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses aims to evaluate the analgesic effects of virtual reality.

Methods

We searched for the relevant reviews in Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane library. Our primary outcome was pain, with secondary outcomes including disability, general health status, patient satisfaction, depression, balance, fear of movement, and adverse events. The quality of included articles was evaluated using the AMSTAR-2 tool.

Results

21 systematic reviews and meta-analyses with 274 studies and 17,680 patients were included in this review. All the reviews concluded benefits of virtual reality in managing pain conditions, including chronic and pain.

Discussion and conclusions

This umbrella review demonstrates successful application of virtual reality in pain control, including perioperative, periprocedural, and chronic pain settings. Virtual reality can be used as an alternative therapy for pain management in children and adults.

The Use of Virtual Reality to Reduce Pain and Anxiety in Surgical Procedures of the Oral Cavity: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE

Virtual reality (VR) is considered a nonpharmacological intervention to manage pain and anxiety for different procedures. We aimed to review the literature about the role of VR in reducing pain and anxiety in surgical procedures performed in the oral cavity.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted using Medline and Embase with no restrictions on language or publication date. Our inclusion criteria were articles related to the use of VR to manage perioperative pain and anxiety on procedures in the oral cavity.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria. The number of publications increased significantly from 2 studies between 2000-2010 to 25 between 2011 and 2021. Of the 27 included studies, 22 (81.4%) studied patients undergoing dental procedures, and 5 (18.5%) in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS). There was heterogeneity in the VR software used in the different studies. Thirteen studies (41.9%) evaluated self or observational assessments of pain and anxiety. Pain alone was evaluated in 9 studies (29%) and anxiety alone in 8 studies (25.8%). Also, 6 studies (19.3%) evaluated physiological parameters such as heart rate and respiratory rate as objective measures of pain and anxiety. In oral surgery studies, VR was effective at reducing acute pain, fear, and anxiety levels.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a paucity of research in OMS compared to dentistry. Given that this specialty involves highly stimulating and anxiety-provoking procedures, OMS could benefit from VR intervention for improved patient care.

Pre-operative distraction using electric ride-on cars for children undergoing elective ambulatory surgery: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Pre-operative anxiety occurs in 18 to 60% of children undergoing surgery and results in poor outcomes. Nonpharmacological methods of distraction are effective in alleviating peri-operative anxiety. In our institution, ride-on electric cars (ride-on e-cars) are routinely used by children undergoing ambulatory surgery as a mean of nonpharmacological distraction.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of pre-operative distraction with ride-on e-cars on children's pre-operative anxiety when undergoing elective ambulatory surgery.

DESIGN

This was a prospective, randomised, controlled, open-label study.

SETTING

The study was carried out from September 2019 to September 2021 in the ambulatory paediatric surgery unit of our teaching hospital, in Marseille, France.

PATIENTS

Children aged 2 to 10 years and weighing less than 35 kg undergoing elective ambulatory surgery were eligible. One hundred and fifteen children were included, 56 in the control group and 59 in the intervention group.

INTERVENTION

Children in the control group were transported from the operating room (OR) waiting area to the OR using a trolley, while children in the intervention group used the ride-on e-cars, without pharmacological premedication or parental presence.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was pre-operative anxiety at the end of the transport (prior going into the OR assessed by the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Score Short Form (mYPAS-SF). Secondary outcomes were the anxiety levels in children over time, as well as postoperative pain and agitation assessed with the Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability (FLACC) and Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scales, respectively.

RESULTS

The mYPAS-SF anxiety scores did not differ between the control group and the intervention group (39 ± 19 vs. 37 ± 21, P  = 0.574). The secondary outcomes were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our randomised controlled trial showed that the use of ride-on e-cars did not alter pre-operative anxiety as compared with standard transport in children undergoing elective ambulatory surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03961581.

Immersive and Non-Immersive Virtual Reality for Pain and Anxiety Management in Pediatric Patients with Hematological or Solid Cancer: A Systematic Review

Invasive and painful procedures, which often induce feelings of anxiety, are necessary components of pediatric cancer treatment, and adequate pain and anxiety management during these treatments is of pivotal importance. In this context, it is widely recognized that a holistic approach, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities, such as distraction techniques, should be the standard of care. Recent evidence suggested the use of virtual reality (VR) as an effective non-pharmacological intervention in pediatrics. Therefore, this systematic review aims to analyze previously published studies on the effectiveness of VR for the management of pain and/or anxiety in children and adolescents with hematological or solid cancer. Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, ProQuest, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were used to search for relevant studies in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Randomized controlled trial, crossover trial, cluster randomized trial, and quasi-experimental studies were included. Thirteen studies, published between 1999 and 2022, that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. Regarding the primary outcomes measured, pain was considered in five studies, anxiety in three studies, and the remaining five studies analyzed the effectiveness of VR for both pain and anxiety reduction. Our findings suggested a beneficial effect of VR during painful vascular access procedures. Limited data are available on the reduction of anxiety in children with cancer.