Virtual Reality on Anxiety Management During Elective Surgery

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Anxiety; Discomfort; Pain Intensity Assessment

• Registration Number: NCT06877663
• Lead Sponsor: University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli

Brief Summary

The aim of this research is to assess and compare the effects of audiovisual content administered via specific Meta Quest 2 headsets on pre-surgical anxiety in patients undergoing elective surgical procedures and on procedure-related comfort.

Detailed Description

Preoperative anxiety is a very common condition in all individuals undergoing surgical procedures. On the day of the procedure, in fact, between 50% and 70% of patients experience anxiety, which usually peaks during anesthesia induction. The main concerns underlying pre-surgical anxiety include fear of surgical complications, worries about the duration of the procedure, the potential onset of subsequent disabilities, as well as concerns regarding general anesthesia and the associated loss of control. Additionally, a common fear is waking up and experiencing discomfort and pain during the procedure. More anxious patients are at greater risk of problems during anesthesia induction, difficulties in pain management, and a more challenging recovery. These frequent conditions highlight the need for interventions aimed at reducing preoperative anxiety.

Currently, the most common prevention/treatment for preoperative anxiety is a pharmacological approach. The pharmacological option includes sedatives and anxiolytic drugs, which, however, may cause adverse effects such as respiratory problems, drowsiness, interactions with anesthetic drugs, and prolonged recovery time. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions are becoming increasingly common.

There are also other non-pharmacological approaches, although less widespread, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (the current gold-standard treatment for anxiety disorders), aromatherapy, and music therapy. Additionally, in pediatric surgery, audiovisual support has been tested as a means of reducing anxiety levels, particularly when focused on providing preoperative management information, administered 48 hours before the scheduled surgery. This practice has also been found to be more satisfactory than traditional play activities with toys.

Currently, several all-in-one virtual reality (VR) headsets are available on the market, capable of immersing an individual in an artificially constructed reality. Specifically, the Meta Quest 2 ™ headset (Meta®, Menlo Park, California, USA) explores VR on a standalone platform, with advanced privacy features to encrypt data and parental supervision tools to ensure appropriate content for all users. In the medical field, VR headsets have already been tested in rehabilitation, ophthalmology, and surgery as a therapeutic method for patients, as well as a fundamental tool for physician training.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of VR on patients undergoing elective surgery in reducing preoperative anxiety and improving patient comfort.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-03-01
• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Primary Completion: 2025-03-01
• Study Completion: 2025-03-01
• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-10
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-10
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-03-10
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-14
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-14

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 233

Inclusion Criteria

• Age >18 years
• Age <70 years
• Indication for elective surgery

Exclusion Criteria

• Diagnosis of Anxiety Disorder, Major Depression, Personality Disorder, Bipolar Syndrome
• Substance abuse
• Inability to complete the study protocol
• Patients for whom the surgical procedure was not performed

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
STAI score	It will be administered at three different time points for both the control group (Group B) and the experimental Group A (screening, before surgery, and 48 hours after the operation) to quantify patient anxiety levels.	Assessment of the difference in State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; range 20-80; a higher score indicates a higher level of anxiety) score between the two groups at baseline, preoperatively, and postoperatively

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
VAS scale	It will be evaluated at 12-24-48 hours after surgery	Perioperative pain will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS; range 0-10; a higher score indicates greater pain).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli; 🇮🇹 Caserta, CE, Italy