EP31.09: A virtual reality system for pain and anxiety management during targeted ultrasound for endometriosis: a randomised control trial

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It is known that virtual reality (VR) decreases pre-perceptual and perceptual brain activity following painful electrical stimuli, corresponding with reduced pain experience. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of VR as a pain modulation technique during targeted ultrasound for endometriosis. This study was a prospective, open-label, randomised control trial held in a tertiary referral centre between 07/2022-03/2023. Overall, 44 women undergoing targeted scan for endometriosis were randomly allocated either to the use of VR during the whole exam (n = 23, group 1) or not at all (group 2, n = 21). The primary outcome was self-reported pain during the ultrasound examination. Secondary outcomes were pulse rate (PR), blood pressure (BP) and respiratory rate (RR) before and after the scan and anxiety score. Pain and anxiety outcomes were assessed as numeric rating scores (0-10) and (1-4), respectively. The demographic parameters were similar between the two groups. The mean duration for targeted ultrasound in group 1 was18 ± 2.7 vs. 19 ± 3.3 min for group 2. (p = 0.41). No statistical difference in the reported pain score was observed between groups [median (interquartile range) 3(0–6) in group 1 vs. 3 (0-5.5) in group 2; p = 0.89]. Neither the vital parameters were different. Women in group 1 had a significantly lower anxiety score regarding “feeling under control” during the scan [median (interquartile range) 8(5-10) vs. 10(10-10) in group 2; p = 0.013]. Even so, 78% of the VR group patients reported the experience was pleasant and would rather to undergo the exam again with VR and 95.7% would recommend to a friend. VR did not effectively reduce pain or anxiety related to “feeling under control” during targeted scan for endometriosis. However, most patients define the experience pleasant willing to repeat it and would recommend it to other patients.

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