Related Experiment Videos
Effects of virtual reality and music intervention on pain relief in outpatient hysteroscopy
K M Yip1, S S C Chan1, E C W Cheung1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Introduction:
Outpatient hysteroscopy is an essential gynaecological procedure used to evaluate and treat any intrauterine pathologies. However, the most common reason for procedure failure is pain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) and music for pain management during outpatient hysteroscopy.
Methods:
This was a non-blinded randomised controlled trial conducted at a single tertiary hospital in Hong Kong. Eligible patients were randomised at a 1:1:1 ratio into three groups: VR, music, and control. Patients' pain scores were assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale from 0 to 10 at various timepoints during hysteroscopy. The primary outcome was the maximum pain score during hysteroscopy. Secondary outcomes included pain scores at specific timepoints during hysteroscopy, other symptoms, patient satisfaction scores, and acceptance of undergoing future hysteroscopy in the same setting if needed.
Results:
A total of 210 patients were analysed in the study. Overall, 65.7% of patients underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy, and 34.3% underwent additional procedures. The mean maximum pain scores did not significantly differ among the three groups (P=0.131). However, acceptance of future hysteroscopy was significantly higher in both the music group (mean ± standard deviation: 8.8 ± 2.1; P=0.002) and the VR group (8.6 ± 1.6; P=0.009) than in the control group (7.5 ± 2.7; overall P=0.001).
Conclusion:
The use of VR and music during outpatient hysteroscopy did not result in a statistically significant reduction in pain. However, patient acceptance of future hysteroscopy was significantly improved in both intervention groups.