The Effect of Virtual Reality On Pain and Anxiety Management During Pelvic Examination: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction

It is important for health care professionals to address women's pain and anxiety during pelvic examinations. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of virtual reality (VR) on pain and anxiety management during pelvic examinations.

Methods

The study was a randomized controlled clinical trial reported in according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 Guidelines. The research was conducted with 128 women (64 intervention, 64 control) who received care at a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic between November 2021 and February 2022. The intervention group received VR application via virtual glasses during pelvic examination, while the control group received routine care. Anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before and after the pelvic examination, and the Visual Analog Scale was used to assess pain after the pelvic examination. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05545488).

Results

The mean anxiety scores of the women in the intervention and control groups were similar pretest (59.00 and 57.77). The mean anxiety score decreased after the pelvic examination to 36.53 in the intervention group and 47.55 in the control group. Results indicated a significant main effect for group assignment (F_9.56; η² = .071; P = .002), a significant main effect for time (F_384.14; η² = .753; P < .001), and a significant interaction between group and time (F_53.95; η² = .300; P < .001). Pain scores after the pelvic examination were lower in the intervention group (4.25) than in the control group (6.41; P < .001).

Conclusion

VR was effective in the management of pain and anxiety during pelvic examination. Future studies should compare the effectiveness of VR with other methods in reducing pain and anxiety during a pelvic examination.