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VR training for pediatric MRI for exam anxiety: A meta-analysis
Thomas Saliba1, Yasser Aleman-Gomez1, David Rotzinger1
1Radiodiagnostic and interventional radiology department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Background:
MRI exams can provoke significant anxiety due to the procedure's length, noise, and potential for claustrophobia. This meta-analysis examines whether virtual reality (VR) mock MRIs can effectively reduce pre-exam anxiety in patients, offering a more accessible alternative to traditional mock scanners.
Methods:
We followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of VR mock MRIs on anxiety levels in patients scheduled for MRI exams. After screening literature from PubMed, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect, six studies were identified, of which four focused on pediatric populations. Data extraction, quality assessment (Jadad and Delphi scales), and statistical analysis were conducted. The data was normalized and a random-effects model used to assess anxiety reduction using Hedges' g.
Results:
The meta-analysis revealed that VR mock MRIs did not significantly reduce anxiety before the MRI (p = 0.08), but approached significance for pre-VR and post-MRI anxiety in the intervention group (p = 0.06). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in anxiety levels post-MRI or when compared with control groups. High heterogeneity was present, likely due to variations in study methodologies, VR interventions, and participant characteristics.
Discussion:
VR mock MRI was shown to not significantly reduce pre-exam anxiety. However, though there were promising results for pre-VR to post-MRI anxiety, the high heterogeneity and limited studies indicates the need for further research. However, the results may be affected by the meta-analysis being underpowered due to the lack of studies.
Conclusion:
This meta-analysis did not show any effect of VR mock MRIs to reduce pre-exam anxiety in patients. More studies necessary to fully evaluate the question and provide more data for further analysis.
Insights
Virtual reality (VR) mock MRI scans do not significantly reduce pre-exam anxiety in patients. While some results suggest potential benefits from pre-VR to post-MRI anxiety, more research is needed due to limited studies and high heterogeneity.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging and Radiology
- Psychology and Behavioral Science
- Health Technology Assessment
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures can induce significant patient anxiety.
- Factors contributing to anxiety include procedure length, noise, and claustrophobia.
- Virtual Reality (VR) mock MRI offers a potential alternative to traditional mock scanners for anxiety reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of VR mock MRI in reducing pre-exam anxiety.
- To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials on VR mock MRI interventions.
- To assess VR mock MRI as an accessible anxiety-reducing tool for MRI patients.
Main Methods:
- Adherence to PRISMA 2020 guidelines for meta-analysis.
- Systematic literature search across PubMed, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect.
- Inclusion of six randomized controlled trials, with four focusing on pediatric populations.
- Data extraction, quality assessment (Jadad and Delphi scales), and statistical analysis using a random-effects model (Hedges' g).
Main Results:
- VR mock MRI did not demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in pre-exam anxiety (p = 0.08).
- A trend towards significance was observed for anxiety reduction from pre-VR to post-MRI within the intervention group (p = 0.06).
- No significant differences in post-MRI anxiety or compared to control groups were found; high heterogeneity was noted.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence suggests VR mock MRI is not significantly effective in reducing pre-exam anxiety.
- Promising trends for anxiety reduction between pre-VR and post-MRI suggest potential, but require further investigation.
- Limited studies and high heterogeneity necessitate more research to definitively evaluate VR mock MRI's role in managing MRI-related anxiety.
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