Virtual Reality for Satisfaction and Tolerability During Intercostal Chest Drain Insertion: A Headset-Based Randomized Controlled Trial

Overview

Intercostal chest drain (ICC) insertion is a common procedure done worldwide to treat and diagnose pleural disease. It is used to evacuate fluid, blood, or air in the cavity from a myriad of causes namely pleural effusions of different etiologies, empyema, hemothorax, chylothorax and pneumothorax. It also functions as a route for antibiotics, pleurodesis and fibrinolytics. Hippocrates, whose practiced medicine 2,400 years ago, is often credited with being the first to insert a metal tube into the pleural region to drain fluid. It wasn't until the 19th century that a closed drainage system was properly documented in the literature, although open drainage remained to be the norm for quite some time. In the past, large-bore tubes (24-32 F) were recommended in nearly all circumstances and were inserted using a blunt dissection technique. However, during the past two decades, small-bore catheters have become increasingly popular. They were first used to drain abdominal collections and have now been adopted for use in draining the pleural cavity utilizing the needle and guide wire Seldinger procedure, typically with radiological guidance. In addition to that, Seldinger technique allow us to insert the catheter at lower intercostals spaces without injury to the diaphragm or abdominal organs, thereby ensuring patient safety.

Research Questions Can Virtual Reality serve as a diversion and improve participant's satisfaction and tolerability during the insertion of a small-bore intercostal chest drain? Hypothesis VR leads to better satisfaction of participant during ICC insertion VR reduce pain and anxiety during ICC insertion VR leads to better satisfaction of proceduralist during ICC insertion Type of Study This is a single center, prospective, interventional study of in-patient participants who are diagnosed with pleural disease and under follow up Respiratory Unit Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. All participants involved in the study will be randomized by 4 block randomizations into either interventional group (VR) or control group (without VR). All participants will be undergoing small bore ICC drain on top of standard care during procedure. Demographic data was collected prior to randomization, which included (age, gender, ethnicity, BMI, comorbidities) and indications for ICC. The investigator then randomized into 2 groups via block randomization into intervention (VR) and controlled group (without VR). Subsequently, consent will be obtained from those who are agree to participate, either from the participant him/herself or their next-of-kin. The process of briefing and obtaining consent will be only done once the participant is stable. These processes will not in any way interfering with clinical evaluation, investigation, treatment and intervention done to the participant by the attending doctor. All of the consented participants will be undergoing ICC insertion. Prior to the ICC insertion, vital signs will be recorded and both groups will be given a VAS questionnaire to assess their pain and breathlessness. This is done to determine the participant's baseline score pre-procedure. The pain score was measured by the use of validated 10 cm VAS, a 10 cm line anchored with "no pain" at 0 cm and "unbearable pain" at 10 cm. The breathlessness VAS was measured with a similar scale which was anchored with "no breathlessness" at 0 cm, and "worst possible breathlessness" at 10 cm. Participants will also be given State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. It comprised of twenty statements that assess how respondents feel "at the present time.". They were instructed to circle the number that describes the intensity of their feelings concerning each question best: 1, "not at all;" 2, "somewhat;" 3, "moderately so;" 4, "very much so.". The STAI has a potential score range spanning from 20 to 80, and our study employed both English and a verified translated version in Malay for the questionnaire. After completing the questionnaires, participants in the interventional group will be given the virtual reality (VR) device to wear, which was the Oculus Quest 2 (Oculus, China) before ICC insertion. The device is owned by respiratory unit HCTM and had been utilized in previous study. Videos of natural scenery were played for them while calming instrumental music played in the background. Three-dimensional footage of natural landscapes from across the world was played as participants listened to instrumental music through surround sound speakers. The participants were given ten minutes of screening time prior to performing ICC, and after ICC insertion was complete, the device was withdrawn. The VR device was sanitized before and after each use, and participants were given disposable hygiene covers to prevent the risk of pathogen transmission. Local anaesthesia will be given as to the participants prior to the procedure at the site of insertion. ICC insertion will be performed by 2 proceduralist with a 2-year experience in performing ICC and had inserted at least 50 ICC. Post-procedure, VAS questionnaires will be given to participant (on pain and breathlessness), STAI questionnaire on anxiety and satisfaction questionnaire (Likert's scale). These will be completed by the participants at 30 min post procedure. Vital signs of participant will also be taken and recorded post procedure. The proceduralist will be given satisfaction questionnaire upon completion of procedure