Effect of virtual reality distraction on anxiety, pain and discomfort during unsedated gastroscopy: Randomized controlled trial

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Background and study aims: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a widely used medical examination. Despite the short duration of this procedure, many patients experience anxiety, pain, and discomfort. The aim of this study was to examine effects of virtual reality (VR) distraction on anxiety, pain, and discomfort during unsedated gastroscopy. Patients and methods: Thirty-nine patients in the intervention group wore VR glasses 10 minutes before and during the gastroscopy. Fifty patients in the control group received care as usual. Anxiety and pain levels were measured with the STAI-DY and NRS before, during, and after the procedure. Moreover, comfort level was reported by an accompanying nurse during the procedure. The last outcome was self-reported willingness to undergo unsedated vs. sedated gastroscopy in the future. Results: The VR and control non-VR groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, education level, and self-reported general health, anxiety, and pain levels. No significant differences were observed in levels of anxiety, pain, and discomfort during the endoscopy. There was no difference in medical outcome and willingness to undergo unsedated vs. sedated gastroscopy in the future. Conclusions: VR distraction did not objectively reduce patient anxiety, pain, or discomfort before, during, or after the procedure. Moreover, willingness to undergo the same procedure without sedation was the same for the VR and control groups. Future research is needed to explore whether selected groups of patients may benefit from VR distraction.

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