Effect of Virtual Reality on Pain Management and Opioid Use Among Hospitalized Patients After Head and Neck Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Optimal postoperative pain management is challenging. Virtual reality (VR) provides immersive, 3-dimensional experiences that may improve pain control and reduce reliance on pharmacologic pain management.

Objective

To evaluate use of VR on postoperative pain management after head and neck surgery.

Design, setting, and participants

This prospective, pilot randomized clinical trial was conducted at Oregon Health & Science University from July 2020 to October 2021 and included patients hospitalized after major head and neck surgery.

Interventions

Similar 15-minute interactive gaming experiences (Angry Birds) using an Oculus Quest VR headset (VR intervention) or a handheld smartphone device (control).

Main outcomes and measures

The primary outcome

SUBMITTER: Pandrangi VC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9185522 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature