Virtual Reality for Patient Education about Hypertension: A Randomized Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Technology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Inadequate patient education contributes to poor adherence in hypertension management.
• Virtual Reality (VR) offers immersive learning experiences to potentially enhance patient knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of VR education versus traditional verbal education in improving hypertension knowledge.
• To assess patient satisfaction and identify responder characteristics in a randomized trial.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving 182 hypertension patients allocated to traditional (n=88) or VR education (n=94).
• VR education utilized 3D videos with Oculus Quest 2 headsets; content was equivalent between groups.
• Hypertension knowledge was assessed post-intervention via a 29-item questionnaire, with objective scores as the primary outcome.

Main Results:

• VR education yielded significantly higher median objective knowledge scores (14) compared to traditional education (10), p < 0.001.
• Subjective patient satisfaction was high across both educational modalities.
• Low responders to education were more likely to be older women (57% vs. 40% female, p=0.024; 68 vs. 65 years, p=0.036).

Conclusions:

• Virtual Reality education demonstrates superior efficacy in improving hypertension knowledge over traditional methods.
• Tailoring educational strategies, particularly for demographic groups like older women, can optimize learning outcomes.