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Effect of Using Virtual Reality Technology on Preoperative Anxiety in Pediatrics: An Evidence-Based Practice

Yolanda Perez Duncan1, Margaret A Gettis2

  • 1Nurse anesthetist at the Meridian Mark Surgery Center on the Scottish Rite Campus at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.

AANA Journal
|February 3, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Virtual reality (VR) goggles significantly reduced preoperative anxiety in pediatric surgical patients. This innovative technology offers a promising non-pharmacological approach to improve patient outcomes and the overall surgical experience.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Anesthesiology
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Preoperative anxiety is common in children undergoing surgery.
  • It can negatively impact surgical outcomes and lead to long-term psychological effects.
  • Current treatments include pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in reducing preoperative anxiety in pediatric surgical patients.
  • To determine the impact of VR distraction in the preoperative and intraoperative settings on anxiety levels.
  • To assess VR as a non-pharmacological intervention for managing preoperative anxiety.

Main Methods:

  • An evidence-based practice initiative was conducted at an outpatient surgery center.
  • Patients undergoing surgery were assessed for preoperative anxiety using the modified Yale preoperative anxiety scale (mYPAS).
  • Scores were obtained preoperatively by a registered nurse and intraoperatively by a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Main Results:

  • Virtual reality (VR) goggles, used preoperatively and intraoperatively, demonstrated a significant improvement in patient anxiety levels.
  • The use of VR technology led to clinically and statistically significant reductions in preoperative anxiety.
  • Findings support VR as an effective tool for managing pediatric preoperative anxiety.

Conclusions:

  • Virtual reality (VR) is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing preoperative anxiety in pediatric surgical patients.
  • VR technology offers an innovative approach to enhance the surgical experience and improve patient well-being.
  • Further research can explore the long-term psychological benefits and broader applications of VR in pediatric healthcare.

Keywords:
evidence-basedmYPAS scorespediatric surgical patientspreoperative anxietysame-day surgeryvirtual reality distractionvirtual reality technology

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