INTRODUCTION: Emergency department (ED) minor procedures can often be distressing and anxiety-provoking, especially when patients are forced to watch themselves being operated on. The purpose of this study was to determine whether virtual reality (VR) can help improve pain and anxiety related to ED room hand procedures on adults and ultimately improve the patient experience. We hypothesized that VR will significantly improve patient pain, anxiety, and overall satisfaction.
METHODS: This was an IRB-approved, interventional study at a Level I trauma center evaluating 20 adult patients in the ED requiring minor hand procedures. After obtaining informed consent, patients had an Oculus Quest 2 headset applied prior to injection of local anesthetic and were given the ability to choose an immersive 3D experience. Pain, anxiety, and satisfaction levels were measured using 10-point Likert scale questions before application of the VR headset and after the procedure was completed. Data was analyzed using paired sample t-tests.
RESULTS: Patients with VR reported a significant reduction in mean anxiety scores during the procedure compared to prior to the procedure (1 vs. 3.75, p < 0.001). There was no significant change in mean pain scores (8 vs. 7.50, p = 0.16), and all 20 patients strongly agreed that VR helped them relax throughout the procedure (mean = 10). Furthermore, all patients reported high overall satisfaction levels with VR and would recommend the experience to other patients (mean = 10). 13 patients (66.67%) reported never having used a VR headset prior to this study.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that VR is an underutilized intraoperative tool that enhances the overall patient experience during minor hand procedures in the ER. By engaging multiple senses, VR successfully distracts patients to reduce anxiety and control pain levels. Patients with VR are also more cooperative and relaxed, which makes minor procedures easier to perform. Given the very low risk and accessibility of this technology, VR is a valuable adjunct when performing minor procedures in the ER.