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Immersive Virtual Reality for Postoperative Pain Among Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Christina Keny1,2,3, Bhagvat Maheta4, Karl Lorenz5,6
1From the Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA.
Summary
Immersive virtual reality (IVR) shows potential for managing postoperative pain in older surgical patients. More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and explore its use across diverse patient groups and surgical types.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pain Management
- Surgical Care
Background:
- Pharmacological pain management in older adults is complex and risky.
- Non-pharmacological interventions, like immersive virtual reality (IVR), are gaining interest for postoperative pain.
- Current evidence on IVR for postoperative pain in older surgical patients is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of existing evidence on IVR for postoperative pain management in older adults undergoing surgery.
- To map out and describe the current research landscape in this area.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across 5 databases up to April 2024.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies involving patients aged over 65, surgical procedures, IVR intervention, and postoperative pain scores.
- Study screening involved title/abstract review followed by full-text analysis, culminating in a narrative report.
Main Results:
- Ten studies were included in the review.
- IVR for postoperative pain was most frequently studied in total joint replacement surgery.
- While over half of the studies suggested IVR could improve pain management, methodological limitations (weak designs, small samples) hindered firm conclusions.
Conclusions:
- Immersive virtual reality (IVR) appears to be an acceptable and feasible intervention for postoperative pain in older surgical adults.
- Further high-quality randomized clinical trials are necessary to establish IVR efficacy.
- Future research should investigate IVR across diverse surgical procedures and older adult subgroups, including those with physical or cognitive limitations.
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