Preoperative anxiety is a common psychological phenomenon experienced by patients awaiting surgery. Forty-seven percent of patients experienced certain level of preoperative anxiety, with common causes including fear of death, unexpected results of the operation, fear of complications, fear of anesthesia, and post-operative pain. In the high-stakes field of neurosurgery, where procedures are often complex and invasive, this anxiety can be particularly pronounced. Elevated preoperative anxiety not only exacerbates patient discomfort but may also increase stress hormones potentially complicating surgical outcomes. Traditional pre-operative education relies on narrative information delivered to patients via face-to-face interview by nurses and doctors which lack of personalization, and limited ability to engage patients emotionally and cognitively can reduce its effectiveness in mitigating preoperative anxiety.
VR has emerged as a promising tool in this context. By immersing patients in a controlled, calming virtual environment, VR distracts them from anxiety-provoking thoughts and reduces stress. Studies have demonstrated that VR exposure therapy can significantly lower preoperative anxiety levels by providing patients with a sense of control and familiarizing them with the surgical environment. Additionally, VR offers a unique opportunity for patients to visualize their procedure, thereby reducing the fear of the unknown.
This collaborative project with Hong Kong Metropolitan University features a comprehensive virtual reality (VR) program designed to guide patients through their entire surgical journey. The VR content is divided into six distinct scenes, each depicting a different phase from the moment of admission to the operation theatre and post-operative care. Patients engage in a 6-minute VR simulation as part of their pre-operative education, aiming to familiarize them with every step of the operation theatre experience. To assess the effectiveness of this intervention, preoperative anxiety levels are measured before and after the VR simulation using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS), which evaluates both anxiety and the patient's perception of the information provided. Satisfaction is gauged using a 5-point Likert scale, offering insights into the patients' overall experience.
The findings reveal a significant reduction in preoperative anxiety following the VR simulation, underscoring the VR intervention's effectiveness. Patient feedback highlights the comprehensive nature of the information provided, which is clear and detailed, effectively reducing anxiety beyond what is achieved through traditional written and verbal instructions alone. This enhancement in patient engagement and anxiety reduction suggests a valuable addition to standard pre-operative education protocols.
