Effectiveness and Safety of Virtual Reality Interventions for Symptom Management in Adults Undergoing Hemodialysis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Background: Adults receiving long-term hemodialysis often experience a multidimensional symptom burden that affects their functional status and daily activities. Effective symptom management may help reduce this burden, preserve functional status, and improve the overall treatment experience. However, evidence remains limited for nonpharmacological interventions that are safe, acceptable, and easy to integrate into routine hemodialysis care. Virtual reality (VR) may be a promising approach for symptom relief and supportive management, but its overall effectiveness and safety in adults receiving hemodialysis remain unclear.
Objective: This review aims to determine whether VR-based interventions improve symptom-related outcomes and are safe for adults receiving hemodialysis.
Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across 12 electronic databases and trial registries from inception to January 2026. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials evaluating VR-based interventions for symptom-related outcomes in adult patients receiving hemodialysis. The methodological quality of the included trials was appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). Quantitative synthesis was conducted in RevMan 5.4 (Cochrane) when appropriate. For continuous variables, treatment effects were summarized as mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) according to outcome measurement consistency. Statistical heterogeneity was examined…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,228 participants or records.
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