Virtual reality for interventional radiology patients: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the tolerance and feasibility of using virtual reality headsets with patients during interventional radiology procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

In this single-center prospective study, the use of a virtual reality headset in addition to the usual analgesic and anxiolytic treatment was proposed to all patients presenting in the interventional radiology department from December 2020 to June 2022. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) patients with whom it was not possible to communicate (2) epileptic patients, (3) non-verbal patients, and (4) pregnant women. The main objective was to evaluate the safety of the procedure by screening complications during and after the procedure. The second objective was to evaluate feasibility, as defined by the number of patients using the helmet until the end of the procedure. Effectiveness (patient's self-evaluation of pain and anxiety), comfort, satisfaction, emotions felt, sense of security, and feeling of immersion were also evaluated. Caregivers completed a feedback questionnaire.

RESULTS

Virtual reality headsets were offered to 100 patients, 9 of whom declined. Procedures were achieved in 93.5% of cases: 6/91 patients removed the headset before the end of the procedure. There were minor adverse events in 2/85 (2.3%) procedures (discomfort and nausea) and no major adverse events. 93.9% of patients found an overall benefit, and 90.2% would recommend virtual reality to another patient. 94.4% of caregivers were satisfied with the virtual reality equipment. The mean pain level was 2.5 ± 2.7 before the procedure, 3.3 ± 2.5 during the procedure, and 1.6 ± 2.7 after the procedure. Mean anxiety scores were 4.6 ± 2.9 before the procedure, 3.1 ± 2.7 during the procedure, and 1.1 ± 1.9 after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

The use of virtual reality technology as a complement to traditional therapy for procedures under local anesthesia is feasible and safe in interventional radiology and can be beneficial for pain and anxiety management.