Clinical Scorecard: Utilizing Virtual Reality in Surgical Settings: Reducing Patient Stress and Discomfort During Minor Procedures with Local Anesthesia—Findings from a Feasibility Study

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Use of VR headsets during port implantation reduces intraoperative pain and stress.
• VR immersion involves passive audiovisual scenarios with choice of environments and music.
• Study included 60 adult patients randomized to VR or control groups, with validated pain and anxiety questionnaires used.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Assess pain catastrophizing preoperatively using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS).
• Evaluate emotional states pre- and postoperatively with the Y-6-Item Questionnaire.
• Measure postoperative pain perception with the Short McGill Pain Questionnaire.

Management

• Consider use of VR headsets with immersive audiovisual programs during minor surgical procedures under local anesthesia to reduce pain and stress.
• Provide patients with options for virtual scenarios and background music to enhance relaxation.
• Continue standard local anesthesia protocols with additional doses as needed.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Monitor patient pain and anxiety levels during and after the procedure using validated questionnaires.
• Evaluate patient feedback on VR device usability and safety postoperatively.

Risks

• No adverse effects of VR use reported; ensure patient familiarity and comfort with VR equipment prior to use.
• Maintain standard monitoring for local anesthesia complications.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Adults aged 18 and older undergoing port implantation surgery, including cancer patients

VR use is feasible and well-tolerated, with positive effects on reducing pain perception and stress during surgery under local anesthesia.

Clinical Best Practices

• Provide comprehensive patient briefing and obtain informed consent before VR use.
• Randomize patients to VR or control groups to evaluate effectiveness objectively.
• Use validated psychological and pain assessment tools pre- and post-procedure.
• Offer a variety of immersive VR environments and music to accommodate patient preferences.
• Ensure VR devices are user-friendly and provide technical support during use.

References

• VR in burn pain treatment (early application)
• VR effectiveness in acute pain management
• VR for anxiety and pain reduction
• Mechanism of VR pain distraction
• VR reduces preoperative anxiety
• SyncVR Relax & Distract programs
• Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)
• Y-6-Item Questionnaire for emotional states
• Short McGill Pain Questionnaire