Digital Doses: Virtual Reality Use for Perioperative Pain and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Hand Surgery.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly recognized as a complementary tool to address pain and anxiety. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of VR for the management of pain and anxiety in patients undergoing minor hand surgery.

Methods

Patients undergoing outpatient hand surgery were randomized to VR or control groups. In addition to the standard anesthetic protocol, the VR group received a VR experience as part of their preoperative care. Patient anxiety and pain scores were collected using the Numerical Visual Analog Anxiety Scale and Numerical Rating Scale, respectively. In addition, we recorded changes in patient hemodynamics and any additional medication doses required to manage pain or anxiety.

Results

Forty-one patients

SUBMITTER: Xiao AX 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12492192 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature