An Immersive Virtual Reality Intervention for Preoperative Anxiety and Distress Among Adults Undergoing Oncological Surgery: Protocol for a 3-Phase Development and Feasibility Trial

Renée El-Gabalawy ^1,2,3,4,5, Jordana L Sommer ^1,3, Pamela Hebbard ^4,6

⁰Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

Jmir Research Protocols +

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May 14, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study developed a virtual reality (VR) intervention to reduce preoperative state anxiety (PSA) in cancer surgery patients. The VR program showed promise for improving psychological preparation before surgery.

Area Of Science

Medical Technology
Psychological Interventions
Oncology

Background

Preoperative state anxiety (PSA) negatively impacts surgical outcomes, increasing pain and hospital stays.
Psychological prehabilitation can mitigate PSA, but scalable solutions are limited.
Immersive virtual reality (VR) offers a promising, accessible approach for preoperative psychological preparation.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop and assess a novel VR intervention for PSA in oncological surgery patients.
To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a single VR exposure and outcome measures.
To refine VR content and measures for a larger clinical trial.

Main Methods

A 3-phase study involving VR prototype development, a randomized feasibility trial, and focus groups.
The feasibility trial compared a novel VR intervention against a VR control and standard care in breast cancer surgery patients.
Data analysis is ongoing, with focus groups completed for prototype refinement.

Main Results

Phase 1 (VR development) and Phase 2 (feasibility data collection) are complete.
Focus groups have been conducted to gather participant feedback.
Further refinement of the VR prototype is underway, with completion expected mid-2024.

Conclusions

This research contributes to the development of accessible interventions for PSA.
Findings will inform a novel VR intervention for a future large-scale randomized clinical trial in cancer patients.
The study aims to enhance preoperative psychological preparation through immersive technology.

Keywords:

breast cancer oncological surgery perioperative mental health preoperative anxiety and distress virtual reality