Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety and Improve Patient Experience Before Gynecological Cancer Surgery in Women A Randomized Controlled Trial Measuring Anxiety, Vital Signs, and Satisfaction

What this Trial Is About

Women undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery often experience significant preoperative anxiety due to concerns about cancer diagnosis, survival, loss of reproductive organs, body image, and sexual health. This anxiety can negatively affect physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, increasing surgical risks and discomfort. Researchers are evaluating whether a virtual reality VR intervention can reduce this anxiety and improve patient satisfaction before surgery in a randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving a 20-minute virtual reality relaxation session using visual and auditory stimuli delivered via a VR headset, or a control group receiving standard preoperative care. Anxiety levels and physiological parameters will be measured immediately before and after the intervention or standard care session. Patient satisfaction with the preoperative experience will be assessed once immediately after the intervention and before surgery. During the study, women aged 18 years or older with confirmed gynecological cancer scheduled for their first laparotomy surgery will participate. Assessments include anxiety scoring, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation before and after the intervention. Patient satisfaction will be evaluated before surgery. Safety and adherence will be monitored, including observation for any medical complications or withdrawal. The study aims to provide evidence for VR as a nurse-led, non-invasive method to enhance preoperative care in gynecologic oncology surgery.

Anxiety, Physiological Parameters, Patient Satisfaction and VR in Gynecological Oncology Surgery