This study explores the impact of virtual reality (VR) interventions on patient outcomes during coronary angiography procedures. It evaluates the effectiveness of VR in reducing patient anxiety, enhancing comfort, and improving overall satisfaction. The findings suggest that the use of VR as a non-pharmacological support tool can positively influence patients' emotional states, reduce perceived stress levels, and potentially improve cooperation during the procedure. These results highlight the potential of immersive technologies to support patient-centered care in interventional cardiology settings.
Coronary angiography is an essential diagnostic and interventional procedure widely used to assess coronary artery disease. Despite its clinical importance, many patients experience significant levels of anxiety, stress, and discomfort before and during the procedure, which can negatively impact their physiological responses and overall satisfaction. In recent years, non-pharmacological interventions, particularly immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), have been investigated for their potential to enhance the patient experience during medical procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of virtual reality on patient outcomes during coronary angiography. A controlled clinical trial design was employed to compare a group of patients exposed to a VR intervention-typically involving calming, immersive environments-against a control group receiving standard care. Key outcome measures included anxiety levels, pain perception, and overall patient satisfaction. The study supports the integration of virtual reality as a complementary tool in cardiac catheterization laboratories to improve patient-centered outcomes. As technology becomes increasingly accessible, VR-based interventions may offer innovative solutions to reduce procedural stress and improve the quality of care in invasive cardiology.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
In this study, patients in the intervention group were informed about the coronary angiography procedure and the virtual reality application. After completing the "Patient Identifier Form," the "Visual Analog Scale," and the "State Anxiety Inventory" 20 minutes before the procedure, the patients were placed in the supine position in the procedure room to prepare for the procedure. Two minutes before the coronary angiography, the patients were fitted with virtual reality headsets, and throughout the procedure, they listened to images of nature, forests, and riverside areas, along with accompanying relaxing music. Twenty minutes after the procedure, the patients' pain, anxiety, and satisfaction levels were re-evaluated using the scales. One week after discharge, the patients were evaluated in the cardiology outpatient clinic for pain, hematoma, and edema in the femoral region, and the "Visual Analog Scale" was administered again.
The pre-procedure preparations for patients in the control group were similar to those in the intervention group. Patients in this group received no other interventions during the coronary angiography procedure other than standard care and treatment. Control group patients completed the VAS and anxiety scale 20 minutes after the procedure. Post-discharge procedures for the control group were identical to those for the intervention group.
Van YYÜ Univercity
Van, Van, Turkey (Türkiye)
Patient Identification Form
Description: This form, prepared by researchers based on literature review, consists of a total of 11 questions to question the socio-demographic characteristics and disease-related characteristics of patients.
Time frame: 10 minutes
Visual Analog Scale
The VAS, whose validity and reliability study was conducted by Price et al. (1983), is a tool that subjectively assesses and measures people's pain experiences. The VAS is frequently used in assessing pain levels in adults and is considered the fastest and simplest to understand among single-dimensional scales. To determine pain intensity, the patient is asked to mark the score corresponding to the quantitative pain experienced on a 10-cm ruler, with the "0" point at one end representing "no pain" and the "10" point at the other end representing "the most severe pain." The scale can be applied horizontally or vertically. The point marked by the patient is used as numerical data to determine the level of pain perception. On this scale, a "0" point indicates no pain, while a "10" point describes the most severe pain.
Time frame: 10 minutes
State Anxiety Scale
Description: The study used the "State and Trait Anxiety Scale," developed by Spielberger et al. (1970) and translated and adapted into Turkish by Öner and Le Compte (1998). The scale consists of a total of 40 items and two separate scales. The first section includes the "State Anxiety Scale," which measures how a person feels at a specific moment, and the second section includes the "Trait Anxiety Scale," which includes statements about how a person feels in general. This study was designed for use during coronary angiography, and the "State Anxiety Scale" was used based on a literature review and expert opinions.
Time frame: 10 minutes
SATISFACTION EVALUATION SCALE
SATISFACTION EVALUATION SCALE Please indicate your level of satisfaction with the use of virtual reality headsets on a scale between 0 (zero) and 10 (ten).
Time frame: 5 minutes
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