The Influence of Non-pharmacological Medical Approaches Such as Hypnosis and Virtual Reality to Reduce Pain and Anxiety Before and After a Cardiovascular Surgery. A Randomized Study.

Nowadays, the use of cognitive behavioral therapies has become quite common in the clinical care. Different non-pharmacological techniques, including hypnosis and virtual reality are currently used as complementary tools in the treatment of acute and chronic pain (Pourmand et al., 2017; Vanhaudenhuyse et al., 2009). A new technique called 'virtual reality hypnosis' (VRH) (Patterson et al., 2004), which encompasses a combination of both tools, is regularly used although its actual function remains unknown to this date. With the goal to improve our understanding of VRH combination effects, it is necessary to elaborate randomized and controlled research studies in order to understand their actual function in individual's perception.

100 patients who are undergoing a cardiovascular surgery at the Liège University Hospital will be randomly assigned to four conditions (control, hypnosis, VR and VRH). Each participant will receive two sessions of one of the techniques: one the day before the surgery and one other session the day after, in intensive care units.

Physiological parameters will be taken and participants will fill in a questionnaire which evaluates their level of perceived immersion, their level of anxiety, fatigue, pain and relaxation. A short interview will also be conducted to give participants the opportunity to openly describe their experience.

This study will help to expand the knowledge regarding the influence of these techniques on patient's cognition, perception and sensation .