Virtual Reality as a Method to Cope With Labor Pain: What Do Women Want?

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Digital Health
• Pain Management

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology with potential applications in healthcare.
• Intrapartum pain management is a critical aspect of childbirth care.
• Understanding patient preferences is crucial for the effective implementation of new technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore childbearing women's desires and expectations regarding virtual reality (VR) for intrapartum pain management.
• To identify key themes influencing the acceptance and use of VR during labor.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative exploratory study utilizing content analysis.
• Two focus groups conducted with pregnant women and recent mothers (n=10).
• Included a 30-minute virtual reality demonstration.

Main Results:

• Five emergent themes: "try, test and explore" (antenatal information), "variety and diversity" (content and complementary use), "distraction versus focus" (pain/context management), "comfort" (physical and digital experience), and "birthing partner" (inclusion).
• Women expressed a need for familiarization with VR during the antenatal period.
• VR was viewed as a complementary tool, offering distraction or focus, with emphasis on comfort and partner involvement.

Conclusions:

• Childbearing women have specific preferences for VR use during labor.
• Findings inform the development and implementation of labor-specific VR interventions.
• Healthcare providers can use this information when offering VR as an intrapartum pain management option.