The Effects of 360-degree Virtual Reality on Pre-procedural Anxiety in Patients Awaiting Elective Cardiac Surgery Involving a Sternotomy

What this Trial Is About

Patients awaiting elective cardiac surgery involving a sternotomy often experience pre-procedural anxiety, which can lead to increased need for pain medication, higher risk of complications, and longer recovery times. This study evaluates the effects of 360-degree Virtual Reality (VR) patient education on reducing anxiety levels compared to standard education methods. The research focuses on patients aged 18 and older undergoing procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting, aiming to improve patient well-being by addressing anxiety before surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group receives standard patient education with oral information and an informative flyer during an outpatient visit. The intervention group receives the same standard education plus a 360-degree VR tour using a VR headset to familiarize them with the hospital environment and clinical pathway. Both groups complete validated anxiety questionnaires (Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale) during the outpatient visit and again one day before surgery upon hospital admission. Throughout the study, researchers measure various outcomes including state and trait anxiety levels, need for information, pre-procedural anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure at baseline and follow-up visits, as well as heart rate and blood pressure on the day of surgery. The study monitors the impact of VR education on anxiety and physiological indicators, aiming to understand its potential benefits over standard education. Participants' involvement includes completing questionnaires and attending scheduled visits before their surgery.

The Effects of 360-degree Virtual Reality on Pre-procedural Anxiety in Patients Awaiting Elective Cardiac Surgery Involving a Sternotomy