Effect of Virtual Reality Use on Preoperative Anxiety
This study is investigating if virtual reality (VR) glasses can help patients feel less anxious before having an operation. Many people feel nervous about surgery, and this research aims to find a simple, drug-free way to make the experience better. Adults aged 18 and over who are having planned surgery at the University Hospital Bonn might be able to take part. Half of the participants will use VR glasses before their operation, while the other half won't, to act as a comparison group. The researchers will measure anxiety, stress, and pain levels using questionnaires and brain activity monitoring. The main goal is to see if VR reduces anxiety before surgery and improves comfort afterwards. This could offer a new way to help patients feel calmer.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Feeling anxious or worried before an operation is very common. This study wants to find out if using virtual reality (VR) glasses could be a helpful and simple way to make patients feel calmer before their surgery, without needing extra medicines. The researchers believe that using VR might help reduce not just anxiety, but also stress and even pain that people might feel around their operation.
To test this idea, they are looking for adults who are scheduled to have a planned operation at the University Hospital Bonn. Some people in the study will be given VR glasses to use before their surgery, which will show them relaxing scenes or activities. Others won't use VR, so the researchers can compare the two groups and see if the VR made a difference. They'll be using questionnaires to ask about feelings of anxiety, stress, and pain, and also some special equipment to look at brain activity, as certain brain patterns can be linked to anxiety.
This is a 'randomised controlled study,' which means that people are put into the VR group or the no-VR group by chance, like flipping a coin. This helps make sure the results are fair. The main aim is to see if using VR before surgery helps people feel more relaxed and less worried, both before and after their procedure. If it works, it could provide a new way to support patients and make their surgical experience a bit easier.
Key takeaways
- This study explores a non-drug way to reduce anxiety before surgery.
- It uses virtual reality (VR) glasses to potentially make patients feel calmer.
- Participants will be randomly assigned to use VR or not, for fair comparison.
- Researchers will measure anxiety, stress, pain, and brain activity.
- It aims to make the surgical experience better for patients.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who are having planned surgery, either as a day patient or an overnight stay. To make sure you can take part fully, you'll need to understand and speak German well, have good eyesight and hearing, and be able to give your written permission to join.
However, there are some situations where you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you're having emergency surgery, or if you have certain mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or epilepsy. Also, if you're already taking medicines to help you relax before your surgery, or if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, you wouldn't be eligible. The study also can't include people who are expected to need intensive care after their operation.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you having a planned operation?
- Do you understand and speak German well?
- Do you have good eyesight and hearing?
- Are you NOT having emergency surgery?
- Do you NOT have conditions like bipolar disorder or epilepsy?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first be asked to read and sign a consent form. Then, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either the group that uses virtual reality (VR) glasses before surgery, or the group that doesn't. You won't get to choose which group you're in.
Before your operation, you will fill out several questionnaires about your anxiety, stress, and pain levels. You'll also have a quick check for motion sickness using another questionnaire. Afterwards, a special monitor will be placed on your head to record your brain activity (EEG) from before your surgery until about an hour after it. This monitor is safe and doesn't hurt. If you're in the VR group, you'll use the VR glasses before your operation. If you're in the other group, you won't. The assessments will mostly happen around the time of your surgery and directly afterwards. The total duration of your active involvement will be mainly on your surgery day.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of BonnVerified postcodeBonn, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What are virtual reality (VR) glasses?
VR glasses are headsets that show you computer-generated images, making you feel like you're in a different, virtual world. In this study, they would likely show calming or distracting scenes before surgery.
Will using VR glasses affect my surgery outcome?
The study is designed to see if VR helps with anxiety, not to change the surgery itself. Your medical care and surgery will proceed as planned, regardless of whether you use VR or not.
What kind of brain activity will be monitored?
A small monitor called a BIS device will be placed on your head to measure your brain waves (EEG). This is a common and safe way to look at different states of brain activity, and it doesn't hurt.
Will I know if I'm in the VR group or the control group?
Yes, you will know if you are asked to use the VR glasses or if you are in the control group. The assignment is random, so it's like a coin flip.
What if I feel uncomfortable during the study?
Your comfort is important. You can stop using the VR glasses, or withdraw from the study at any point, without it affecting your medical treatment.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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