Evaluation of Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety, Pain, and Duration of Non-emergency Bronchial Fibroscopy in Critical Care

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate whether virtual reality (VR) can reduce anxiety, pain, and the duration of bronchial fibroscopy (BF), a common invasive procedure performed in critical care patients under local anesthesia. BF can cause discomfort and anxiety despite local anesthesia, and current drug treatments are given only when needed. VR, combining hypnosis, music therapy, and other techniques, is being studied as a non-drug way to improve patient comfort during BF in critical care settings. The study compares two groups: one undergoing BF with immersion in a VR scenario using a HEALTHY MIND4 brand VR headset, and the other undergoing BF with local anesthesia alone. The VR headset offers immersive natural environments with hypnotic speech and music therapy, aiming to reduce patient stress. The procedure is performed while the patient is conscious and spontaneously breathing, with the VR intervention applied during the fibroscopy. Participants will be monitored for their anxiety and pain levels using visual analogue scales and other assessments immediately after BF, as well as at follow-up times including ICU discharge or up to 7 days later. Clinical measures such as pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure will be recorded before and during BF. Additional questionnaires will evaluate VR tolerance, drug use during BF, procedure quality, and patient satisfaction. The entire participation includes observation during BF and follow-up assessments for safety and experience.

Evaluation of Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety, Pain and Duration of Non-emergency Vigile Bronchial Fibroscopy (AVATAR)