Aparna Sridhar1,2, Zhang Shiliang2, Ryan Woodson2, Lorna Kwan3. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. 2. David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. 3. Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Most women experience moderate to severe pain during first-trimester surgical termination of pregnancy despite the application of various analgesic techniques. Studies have shown that virtual reality (VR) is effective in reducing anxiety among a range of women in differing circumstances. Our study objectives were to assess the feasibility of using VR during first-trimester dilation and curettage under local anaesthesia and understand the effect of VR on procedure-related anxiety during first-trimester dilation and curettage. METHODS: A pilot feasibility study was conducted in a convenience sample of 30 women (15 in the intervention group and 15 in the control group). Anxiety scores were recorded before, during and after the procedure. In-depth interviews were conducted after the procedure. RESULTS: Participants reported that VR was either very effective (53%) or somewhat effective (40%) in relieving anxiety during and after the procedure. Eleven participants used the VR device for the entire procedure and four participants removed it during the procedure. The anxiety scores before the procedure were not significantly different between the groups. The intervention group had a median five point post-procedure decrease in anxiety score rated on a visual analogue scale, which was significantly different from that of the control group. Overall, participants had a positive experience but there were some technological frustrations. CONCLUSION:Women undergoing dilation and curettage in the first trimester were able to use a VR device during the procedure. VR-induced distraction and relaxation helped to reduce anxiety in some participants both during and after the procedure.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: Most women experience moderate to severe pain during first-trimester surgical termination of pregnancy despite the application of various analgesic techniques. Studies have shown that virtual reality (VR) is effective in reducing anxiety among a range of women in differing circumstances. Our study objectives were to assess the feasibility of using VR during first-trimester dilation and curettage under local anaesthesia and understand the effect of VR on procedure-related anxiety during first-trimester dilation and curettage. METHODS: A pilot feasibility study was conducted in a convenience sample of 30 women (15 in the intervention group and 15 in the control group). Anxiety scores were recorded before, during and after the procedure. In-depth interviews were conducted after the procedure. RESULTS:Participants reported that VR was either very effective (53%) or somewhat effective (40%) in relieving anxiety during and after the procedure. Eleven participants used the VR device for the entire procedure and four participants removed it during the procedure. The anxiety scores before the procedure were not significantly different between the groups. The intervention group had a median five point post-procedure decrease in anxiety score rated on a visual analogue scale, which was significantly different from that of the control group. Overall, participants had a positive experience but there were some technological frustrations. CONCLUSION:Women undergoing dilation and curettage in the first trimester were able to use a VR device during the procedure. VR-induced distraction and relaxation helped to reduce anxiety in some participants both during and after the procedure.
Entities:
Keywords:
Anxiety; first trimester; pregnancy; virtual reality