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Virtual Reality in Otolaryngology Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Kenny Do1, Emily S Sagalow1, Eric Kawana1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|May 12, 2025
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) significantly reduces anxiety, pain, and improves satisfaction for patients undergoing ear, nose, and throat procedures. This meta-analysis confirms VR as an effective complementary intervention for perioperative care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Interventions
- Patient Experience
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Patients frequently experience anxiety and pain during medical procedures.
- Pharmacological methods are standard, but complementary approaches are increasingly explored.
- Virtual reality (VR) has shown promise in reducing patient distress across various medical specialties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness of VR interventions.
- To assess VR's impact on anxiety/stress, pain, and satisfaction in otolaryngology patients.
- To evaluate VR as a non-pharmacologic adjunct in perioperative care.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from October 1994 to August 2024.
- Included 9 randomized controlled studies involving 370 patients (182 received VR).
Main Results:
- VR intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety/stress (SMD -0.84, p < 0.001).
- VR also led to significant improvements in pain scores (SMD -0.36, p = 0.01) and patient satisfaction (SMD 0.55, p < 0.001).
- These findings were consistent across the included studies.
Conclusions:
- Virtual reality (VR) is an effective intervention for improving patient outcomes in otolaryngology.
- VR significantly decreases anxiety, pain, and enhances satisfaction in patients undergoing these procedures.
- Future research should compare VR with other non-pharmacologic interventions.
