Kyei Grace K, Kyei Evans F, Ansong Rockson
Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA.
Center for Substance Use Research and Related Conditions, Capstone College of Nursing, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL.
Pain Manag Nurs. 2025 Feb;26(1):65-74. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2024.08.007. Epub 2024 Sep 14.
Labor pain and anxiety are significant challenges in maternal healthcare, often managed through pharmacological interventions. Virtual Reality (VR), as a non- pharmacological method, has emerged as a potential tool for pain and anxiety relief in labor. This integrative review aims to synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), qualitative studies, and mixed-methods research to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in labor pain and anxiety management and to understand patient experiences.
Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, a structured literature search was conducted across databases, including PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed, yielding 1,227 studies. Following a meticulous screening and selection process by authors, 13 studies (10 RCTs, 2 qualitative, and 1 mixed methods) met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction focused on study design, population characteristics, VR interventions, outcomes measured, and key findings, with a content analysis approach employed for thematic synthesis.
The RCTs consistently showed VR's efficacy in reducing labor pain and, to some extent, anxiety. Qualitative studies highlighted VR's role in enhancing patient experiences, offering distraction, relaxation, and improved self-efficacy in pain management. The integration of findings from quantitative and qualitative studies provided a comprehensive understanding of VR's effectiveness and acceptability in labor. Notable themes included the importance of VR's immersive nature and its potential to reduce reliance on pharmacological interventions.
VR emerges as a promising tool for managing labor pain and anxiety, offering a non-invasive and patient-friendly alternative to traditional pain relief methods. Its implementation in clinical practice could enhance patient satisfaction and overall birthing experiences. However, further research is needed to standardize VR interventions, assess long-term effects, and determine cost-effectiveness. The findings encourage the consideration of VR as part of holistic maternal care, emphasizing the need to integrate patient-centered healthcare technologies.
分娩疼痛和焦虑是孕产妇保健中的重大挑战，通常通过药物干预来处理。虚拟现实（VR）作为一种非药物方法，已成为缓解分娩疼痛和焦虑的潜在工具。本系统综述旨在综合来自随机对照试验（RCT）、定性研究和混合方法研究的证据，以评估VR在分娩疼痛和焦虑管理中的有效性，并了解患者的体验。
遵循PRISMA指南，对包括PsycINFO、CINAHL和PubMed在内的数据库进行结构化文献检索，共获得1227项研究。经过作者细致的筛选和选择过程，13项研究（10项RCT、2项定性研究和1项混合方法研究）符合纳入标准。数据提取集中在研究设计、人群特征、VR干预措施、测量的结果以及主要发现，并采用内容分析方法进行主题综合。
RCT一致表明VR在减轻分娩疼痛以及在一定程度上减轻焦虑方面具有疗效。定性研究强调了VR在增强患者体验、提供分心、放松以及提高疼痛管理中的自我效能方面的作用。定量和定性研究结果的整合提供了对VR在分娩中的有效性和可接受性的全面理解。显著的主题包括VR沉浸式体验的重要性及其减少对药物干预依赖的潜力。
VR成为管理分娩疼痛和焦虑的一种有前景的工具，为传统疼痛缓解方法提供了一种非侵入性且患者友好的替代方案。其在临床实践中的应用可以提高患者满意度和整体分娩体验。然而，需要进一步的研究来规范VR干预措施、评估长期效果并确定成本效益。这些发现鼓励将VR视为整体孕产妇护理的一部分，强调整合以患者为中心的医疗技术的必要性。
