The use of pre-operative virtual reality to reduce anxiety in women undergoing gynecological surgeries: a prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pre-operative anxiety is common and is associated with negative surgical outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising new technology that offers opportunities to modulate patient experience and cognition and has been shown to be associated with lower levels of anxiety. In this study, we investigated changes in pre-operative anxiety levels before and after using VR in patients undergoing minor gynecological surgery.

Methods

Patients who underwent elective minor gynecological surgeries in KK Women's and Children's hospital, Singapore were recruited. The VR intervention consisted of 10-min exposure via a headset loaded with sceneries, background meditation music and breathing exercises. For the primary outcome of pre-operative anxiety, patients were assessed at pre-

SUBMITTER: Chan JJI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7547504 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature