Virtual reality for improvement of patient experience during endovenous laser ablation for venous insufficiency

Abstract

Background

Chronic venous insufficiency is a commonly underdiagnosed, highly prevalent disease that causes significant patient morbidity.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess the utility of virtual reality (VR) during outpatient endovenous laser ablation procedures with the goal of reducing patient-reported anxiety or pain. The authors also sought to examine the effects on patient-reported overall satisfaction.

Methods

Patients completed a two-part survey interrupted by an immersive VR experience. Differences in the pre- and post-VR surveys were compared using a chi-square test. The pain scores were compared using a t-test.

Results

The pre-VR mean Beck Anxiety Inventory score was 1.41, decreasing post-VR to 1.33 (a reduction of 0.08; p < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences for 3 questions including 'Are you currently feeling fear of the worst happening' (p = 0.04), 'Are you currently feeling nervous' (p < 0.001), and 'Are you currently feeling scared' (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Overall, our study demonstrates that a VR experience during endovenous laser ablations significantly improved measures of anxiety and patient satisfaction.