The use of virtual reality to improve quality of recovery in women undergoing gynecological surgeries: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging non-pharmacological intervention that has shown promise in reducing anxiety and pain, but its effect on post-operative recovery is less studied. We assessed the use of VR on postoperative recovery, anxiety, and pain in women undergoing gynecological surgery. This was a randomized controlled trial that recruited women undergoing gynecological surgery. Patients were randomized into two groups: no intervention; or VR calming scenarios with meditation and breathing exercises administered perioperatively. The primary outcome would measure the quality of recovery through the Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) total scores at postoperative 24 h. Secondary outcomes included the perioperative visual analog scale-anxiety (VAS-A) scores, pain scores, and analgesic use. A total of 104 participants were randomized equally into the VR and control groups with no dropout. The VR group showed significantly greater QoR-40 total scores at postoperative 24 h (mean difference (MD) 7.23, 95% CI 1.44-13.02, p = 0.015), with notable improvements in physical comfort (MD 2.58, p = 0.015), and pain (MD 1.38, p = 0.005) dimensions when compared with control group. Anxiety scores were significantly lower in the VR group during preoperative period (MD 0.96, p = 0.034), and at postoperative 48 (MD 0.89, p = 0.01) and 72 h (MD 0.66, p = 0.03). Patient satisfaction with VR was high, with > 40% of patients reporting satisfaction of "good" or "excellent". VR significantly…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 104 participants or records.
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