Exploring User Perspectives on Virtual Reality as a Therapeutic Tool for Chronic Pain Management.

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain affects over 20% of the global population, significantly impairing the quality of life and increasing healthcare costs. Virtual Reality (VR) shows promise as an innovative, non-invasive tool for chronic pain management by modulating pain perception, and helping in promoting coping strategies such as relaxation. This study explores the use, willingness to adopt, and preferences for VR of people with chronic pain.

METHODS

This mixed-methods study included an online survey (OS-answered by 511 participants with chronic pain) and two focus groups (FG-including a total of 17 people with fibromyalgia). The OS was created to assess their use of VR, willingness to adopt, preferences, and advantages/disadvantages. The FG was designed to gain a more in depth knowledge of these variables. Descriptive analyses were conducted with the results from the OS, while FG transcripts were thematically analysed to identify key insights and patterns.

RESULTS

VR was largely unfamiliar (only 23.1% had previously used it) but considered as promising for remote, low-risk therapy, valuing aspects such as portability, minimal side effects, and immersive experiences. Factors related to usability challenges, stigma, and limited professional training were probably related to the lack of use of VR. Key concerns included reduced therapist contact, social isolation, and usability challenges. Preferences were balanced between standalone and smartphone-based systems, with cost and accessibility being major factors. Participants emphasized the importance of tailored designs, user-friendly, affordable options, and maintaining therapist interaction, offering valuable insights for integrating VR effectively into healthcare.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study highlight the need to potentiate the transfer of results to clinical practice. It is also fundamental to work to reduce the stigma and include the use of Information and Communication Technologies in pain curricula.