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Virtual Reality for Pain Management During High-Resolution Manometry: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Ilan Palte1, Sarah Stewart1, Hal Rives1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|July 27, 2023
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) significantly improved calmness and reduced physiologic pain during high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) for patients with dysphagia. VR offers a promising distraction tool to enhance patient comfort during this procedure.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Technology
- Patient Experience
Background:
- High-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) is essential for diagnosing esophageal motility disorders.
- The procedure can be unpleasant and painful for patients, often requiring only local anesthesia.
- Improving patient comfort during HRM is a significant clinical goal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of virtual reality (VR) headset use on pain and anxiety during HRM.
- To assess VR's effect on patient-reported outcomes and physiological pain indicators.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized study involving patients with dysphagia undergoing HRM.
- Participants were assigned to undergo HRM with or without VR distraction.
- Data collected included anxiety scores (STAI-6), pain perception (McGill Questionnaire), heart rate, and galvanic skin response (GSR).
Main Results:
- Virtual reality use led to significantly increased calmness, as indicated by STAI-6 ratings (p=0.0095).
- Physiological measures of pain were reduced in the VR group, with significantly decreased GSR rise time (p=0.0137) and average rate of change of conductance change (p=0.0035).
Conclusions:
- VR distraction effectively increased calmness during HRM catheter insertion.
- Reduced skin conductance changes suggest a decrease in physiological pain.
- VR is a valuable tool for improving patient comfort during high-resolution esophageal manometry.
