Using Virtual Reality to Improve Comfort and Reduce Stress During Subcutaneous Venous Port Implantation for Cancer Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether virtual reality VR can help improve comfort and reduce anxiety and stress during the implantation of a subcutaneous venous port in adult oncology patients. This randomized controlled study compares standard care alone to standard care combined with VR, aiming to explore VR as a non-drug method to ease psychological distress during this minor cancer-related procedure. The study includes two groups one receiving usual care with local anesthesia and optional mild sedation, and the other receiving the same care plus immersive VR during the procedure. VR serves as a distraction by immersing patients in a calming virtual environment. The procedure typically lasts about 60 minutes and is done under local anesthesia. Participants will have their discomfort, anxiety, and stress measured before, during, and after the procedure using self-reported scales like the Visual Analog Scale VAS, physiological signs such as blood pressure and heart rate, the STAI-6 anxiety questionnaire, and salivary cortisol tests. These assessments occur at set times to track changes up to two hours post-procedure, helping researchers understand VRs potential to enhance patient experience during port implantation.

Utilization of Virtual Reality to Increase Comfort and Reduce Procedural Distress During Port Insertion Into the Body