This study aimed to determine the effects of virtual reality on procedural pain, distress and comfort levels during cannulation in hemodialysis patients.
Background Virtual reality is a non-pharmacological method that reduces pain and distress and increases comfort by diverting a patient's attention. This allows individuals to gain self-control and relax during medical procedures. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effects of virtual reality on procedural pain, distress and comfort levels during cannulation in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This randomized controlled study included a total of 52 patients, who were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=26) or the control group (n=26). Patients in the intervention group received virtual reality glasses during the procedure in addition to standard routine care, while the control group received standard routine care only. Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Distress Thermometer (DT), and the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale. Statistical analysis was performed with the level of significance set at p\<0.05.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
52
The intervention utilized VR-SHINECON and headsets, which were cleaned with alcohol-based disinfectant wipes before use for each patient (Figure 1). Patients in the intervention group were offered a choice of various nature, forest, and seaside walk videos with thematic music. The VR intervention commenced approximately three minutes before the cannulation procedure (immediately following the baseline assessment) and continued until the procedure was complete (approx. 5-10 minutes).
School
Mersin, Health Sciences Faculty , Tarsus University, Mersin, Turkey, Turkey (Türkiye)
Tarsus U
Tarsus, Turkey (Türkiye)
The data were collected by the researcher by using "Descriptive Information Form"
Descriptive information form This form prepared by the researchers after reviewing relevant literature (18,21), this semi-structured form includes 12 questions focusing on the socio-demographic and medical information of the participants.
Time frame: The descriptive information form was completed in the patient's room 15-20 minutes before the cannulation procedure.
Visual Analogue Scale
This scale (VAS), originally developed by Price et al.22 and validated in Turkish for postoperative pain assessment by Eti Aslan 23, was used to quantify pain intensity. The scale consists of a 10-cm horizontal line anchored by the descriptors "no pain" and "worst imaginable pain". Participants marked their perceived pain level on the line, and the score was recorded in centimeters. Written permission for the Turkish version was secured from Eti Aslan. All VAS measurements were recorded by an independent nurse who was not involved in the intervention.
Time frame: During the procedure, the patient's pain was evaluated and recorded by an independent nurse (referred to as the 1st measurement). Immediately after the procedure was completed, after an average of 1-2 minutes (VAS were then assessed (2st measurement).
Distress Thermometer
The Distress Thermometer was first developed by Roth and colleagues for use in identifying non-pathological distress in patients undergoing cancer treatment after answering the necessary questions. The distress level is rated from 0 to 10. The practitioner expresses the distress experienced using the numbers on the thermometer. A score of zero indicates no distress, while a score of 10 indicates the highest level of distress. The green zone encompasses scores from 0 to 3. Individuals experiencing distress within this range are capable of managing their distress. The yellow zone encompasses scores from 4 to 6. A distress score in this range indicates that the individual is unable to manage their distress and requires intervention to return them to the green zone. The red zone encompasses scores from 7 to 10. Individuals experiencing distress within this range require urgent and comprehensive intervention.
Time frame: Before the Procedure and baseline, after the procedure was completed an average of 5-10 minutes(2st measurement)
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Hemodialysis Comfort Scale
This scale developed by Şahin Orak et al., is a reliable, nine-item, five-point Likert-type instrument used to assess comfort in patients receiving hemodialysis for at least six months.29 It consists of two subscales: 'Relaxation' and 'Coping.' Items are scored from 1 to 5 with Item 4 being reverse-scored. Total scores range from 9.00 to 45.00, where higher scores indicate greater comfort. Subscale ranges are 3.00-15.00 for Relaxation and 7.00-30.00 for Coping. The scale demonstrated strong reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.87 in the original Turkish validation study, and 0.80 in the present study.
Time frame: after the procedure was completed an average of 5-10 minutes