Developing a Virtual Reality (VR)-Based Prototype for Perioperative Care - a Proof of Concept Study

Brief Summary

Preoperative anxiety and acute post-operative pain are common and have been associated with the development of chronic post-surgical pain and longer hospitalisation. Pharmacological interventions to combat anxiety and pain come with their attendant adverse effects. Therefore, non-pharmacological strategies- Virtual Reality (VR) has gained popularity to improve overall the perioperative experience for patients. Our overall aim was to develop and evaluate the use of a VR-based prototype to reduce pre-operative anxiety and post-operative acute pain intensity in our local patient population. Our primary objective was to develop a customized VR mindfulness application incorporating locally relevant scenarios and evaluate its feasibility, acceptability and preliminary associations with changes in perioperative anxiety and pain. Our secondary objectives included evaluating patient satisfaction and preferences for different VR modules.